As social distancing measures stretch into the summer, more and more people are finding themselves facing the restlessness and uncertainty of cabin fever. We are curious, social creatures—human instinct is to get out, explore the world, and visit one another. Social distancing prevents the spread of coronavirus, but it also means spending a lot more time at home. Fortunately, there are a few ways to fight cabin fever during COVID-19. Here’s how you can still make the most of your free time this summer.
Get Some Fresh Air
Just because you’re staying home doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. One of the best ways to fight cabin fever during COVID-19 is to get a healthy amount of fresh air and sunshine every day. Take a walk around the neighborhood, have a picnic in an empty corner of your local park, or simply step outside to watch the sunset. This is a great way to remind yourself that, no matter what else is going on in your life, the world will continue to spin on. Plus, getting out of the house for a little while will give you a much-needed change in scenery.
Find New Ways to Stay Connected
Throughout the pandemic, people have found unique and creative ways to stay in touch with each other. Business meetings on Zoom, drive-by graduation parties, and virtual dates are all common experiences now. You can always find fresh ways to connect with your loved ones. Take up the lost art of writing letters to each other. You can also drop off goodies such as presents, balloons, or homecooked meals at your loved ones’ houses. These no-contact gifts allow you to celebrate, reach out, and care for your friends and family members even while you’re still physically apart.
Improvise Vacations
Many people have canceled their summer vacation plans, but that doesn’t mean all hope for a good time this season is lost. Just as you can come up with new ways to get out of the house or connect with loved ones, you can create unique vacation ideas for yourself and your family. Instead of heading out to a national park, pitch a camp in the backyard and reconnect with the beauty of your own neighborhood. If you’re all dying for a chance to get away for a while, you can hop in the car and take a day trip without a destination. No matter where you go, part of preparing for a family road trip is packing plenty of snacks and entertainment so that you can enjoy the journey itself. For a traditional water park experience, set up the sprinkler and arm everyone with water guns in the front yard. By getting creative with your vacation ideas, you can still make fond summer memories and—most importantly—make the most of family time.
