The onset of the coronavirus pandemic has radically altered the way we do things, from carrying out our work to looking after our health, and even the way we enjoy ourselves. Dealing with the virus and its effects has led most of us to stay at home, keeping social interactions at a minimum. 

With people staying indoors for over a year now, it’s no wonder that many have become eager to go out and do the things that they used to do. This includes socializing, going on vacations, and engaging in other activities that require contact with other people. However, it’s important to remember  that the virus has not been completely eliminated from our midst. Staying vigilant is a must even as we welcome the gradual return of our old lives. 

That said, here are five activities that you can enjoy during this transition period:

Hiking

Coronavirus spreads by person-to-person contact making it easy for you to catch the virus if, say, you and your companions are within a few feet of each other and one of you is infected. 

One way to avoid crowding together in a small space is by taking your activities outdoors. Hiking is one such activity that you can enjoy outside your home, and it’s the perfect way to be close to nature, which is also something most of us haven’t done in the time we spent isolating because of COVID-19. Moreover, it’s a good way to have fun with your friends without being too close to one another physically. 

Still, in going out for a hike with a group of people during these times, it never hurts to stick to basic health protocols. These include keeping your hands sanitized, not sharing your personal hiking effects with other people, and even wearing a face mask. Standard surgical and fabric masks will do during a hike, but you can also search online about where to buy antimicrobial mask. Antimicrobial fabrics inhibit the growth of viruses and bacteria, so you can go about your day without worrying that your mask will become a breeding ground for pathogens.

Outdoor Dining

One of the best ways to reconnect with old friends whom you haven’t seen since the start of the pandemic is by inviting them out on a lunch or dinner date. Just avoid gatherings in tightly confined areas, like your own dining room, if you don’t have that much space at home. This shouldn’t stop you from seeing your loved ones, however. 

Consider dining outdoors to take advantage of the free-flowing air. This way, you’ll be able to minimize your exposure to COVID-19 while also enjoying the company of others. Note that certain restaurants prioritize outdoor dining and even promote it to ensure that their customers will be safe even as they spend time socializing with other people. It would be best to patronize such establishments for the express purpose of avoiding the risk of contracting COVID-19. 

Taking a Stroll

Going on a literal walk in the park has a number of health benefits, which include clearing your mind and improving your physical well-being. Going outside where the air is in circulation rather than stagnant also helps alleviate any fears of the virus circulating in the same space. You don’t have to go far either. You can walk around your neighborhood or at a nearby park, for example.

You can do this alone or have a leisurely chat with a friend as you do so—as long as you keep your face mask on. If you have a pet dog, you can also walk them so that you have someone to keep you company.

Going on Sailing or Boating Trip

 Your leisure activities for the new normal don’t have to be the same things you were already doing pre-pandemic. Have a little bit of fun and explore what else you can do, especially now when the newfound excitement to go outside is a great excuse to try out new things. Taking things outdoors can also mean going out to a lake or to the sea. The fresh air will certainly do wonders for your mood.

If you want to take it up a notch, you can even go on a cruise using a rented boat. This way, you can avoid mingling with strangers for now while also getting to invite your close friends to go on a short boating trip where you can all enjoy each other’s company. 

If you own a boat, make sure to follow proper cleaning protocols and limit the number of people on board to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Also, research important boat props for sale here or online to have all the necessary equipment for a smooth and worry-free trip. Boat props are essential for efficient and safe navigation on the water, so investing in good quality ones is important.

Online Shopping

You can still engage in retail therapy even if the pandemic has forced you to spend most of your time indoors. Online shopping offers the thrill of buying stuff from your favorite stores without you compromising your health at a time when the pandemic is still ongoing.

These days, it’s easy to find and get what you need on the internet, be it new clothes for your work-from-home day job, essentials for your home office setup, or supplies for your family and pets. 

As we transition to a new normal in our lives, there will be some adjustments on how we conduct our day-to-day affairs. This even includes how we play and have fun. However, this doesn’t mean that we’ll have to stop enjoying things altogether. Sometimes, having fun can take on new forms to accommodate big and unexpected changes—like a global pandemic. 

In a cautiously optimistic world that has seen the worst of the pandemic, it’s important to continue observing health protocols while trying to enjoy the things we used to do. A lot of times, it’s also just a matter of adjusting our routines and reinventing the leisurely activities we already know we love.