The most mundane activities would normally bore you but with the COVID-19 pandemic rendering you with nothing to do and nowhere to go this summer, you will be able to find ways to feel like you are discovering something new about yourself and what you're interested in.
I find it easy to search for activities to try out yet I eventually get tired of them later on. As much as I wanted to travel overseas before I move in for college, there's always an alternative to experience a different culture right from your home, for example.
Without further ado, here are seven activities to add to your 2020 summer bucket list:
1. Cook Something New
Do you possess the habit to order some Chinese food at least once a month? Depending on where you live, you can still do so but I find the concept of cooking my food very adventurous. It only takes a Google search to find a myriad of recipes right under your fingertips.
You could attempt to recreate your favorite Chipotle dish or make a healthier version of a McDonald's Big Mac if you wanted to. This activity is perfect for all levels of cooking, from the novice cook to the experienced chef. My favorite dish to cook is the General Tso's Tofu. As someone who loves Asian food, this is definitely a treat!
2. Try Out a New Video/Computer Game
Not many people are gamers, nor they may not have the time to play. If there is nothing else on your daily agenda, maybe a round of Sid Meier's Civilization VI could pass the time or if you're feeling a little more competitive, League of Legends can fulfill that need as well. The two games I have mentioned are my personal favorites, while giving Magic: The Gathering Arena an honorable mention because it helped revived my love for the classic card game.
Both LoL and MTGA are free to play, and Civilization VI is free to download until the 28th of May on Epic Games. You can find a variety of games online as well, though it may depend on the platform you're playing on.
3. Try Out a New Board Game
Is your family hesitant about exposing their eyes to a computer screen for an extended amount of time? Would they rather watch television? Worry not, for board games can save the day!
If you have any board games in your closet, encourage each of them to learn those games alongside you, guaranteeing some fun out of it. Settlers of Catan is a favorite among my uncle's "quarantine friend group," not to mention the chaos that could ensue during several rounds of Secret Hitler. If you think you need more of a variety, you can shop online or if your favorite small business has an online shop, you can support them by shopping from them.
4. Dabble in Art
You don't have to be a world-class artist to create something with just a stroke of a pencil. Art can be therapeutic, whether it'd be something as simple as drawing a couple of lines and shapes or you have a plan to put that imagination to life. There are no rules in art; You can grab a sketchbook and draw/paint your heart out, or you can buy a coloring book and pass the time filling in the empty spaces on the page.
I began dedicating a part of my day to create fashion sketches, in which I could easily research inspiration online on Pinterest and put together my piece that way. I also have no shame or regret in having to rely on tracing out the croqis on paper in order to make the piece itself look good.
5. Write in a Journal
On the days where you're feeling down and unmotivated, putting your thoughts into words can help you cope with the emotions. You don't need a fancy hardback notebook to claim as your journal, though the preferences depend from person to person.
I began the habit of journaling a couple of years ago when my home life used to be challenging and I continue it now as I go through the journey of living in quarantine and dealing with problems that may come up. It's a great way to get the invasive thoughts out of your head and lighten up your self-esteem a little bit before a good night's sleep.
6. Watch a Movie or TV Series You Have Longed to Watch
Classes and part-time jobs usually don't leave a lot of time to binge-watch your favorite shows yet with wasted leave off work or having nowhere to go, this is an option. You could revisit Netflix and browse a number of shows that bring nostalgia or rent a couple of movies online to watch.
Netflix Party helps enhance this experience by allowing your friends to watch the same show as you, while also enabling all of you to chat with one another with the group chat feature. This activity also applies to playbacks of past sports matches for all the sports fans reading this.
7. Exercise
Can't stand staying still at home? There is always an option to get moving outside. You could go on a stroll, a jog, or maybe even a bike ride around the neighborhood.
The internet also provides numerous amounts of workouts that you can do without any equipment (if you don't own any). Although I don't have a platform to play Just Dance, YouTube provides a lot of videos from essentially all versions of the game and it has been my form of exercise for a while, also adding on a couple of bike rides and core workouts that would prove beneficial once I'm able to get back on the ice. If you are outside in any way, please make sure to have a mask on at all times.
No matter what you decide to do, do it because you want to not only pass the time in these hard times but also to discover something new about yourself. There is no right or wrong in doing these activities, not to mention that there may be other activities that you are interested in. Make sure to prioritize your safety and health first before doing anything that may involve physical contact with other people outside of your household.
