COVID Friendly Activities
Is it just me, or is every day starting to feel like groundhog day? Wake up, COVID is still a thing, go to bed, REPEAT. There’s obviously stuff in the middle there, but nothing that really warrants me fitting it into my blurb. If you’re a Canadian and have been stuck in Ontario throughout all of this … bless. your. soul. We Ontarians all deserve a medal for dealing with these never ending lockdowns. I do have to admit, I got lucky and was able to experience COVID life in three different countries... Canada, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. Thus I’m counting my blessings … but does anyone else feel like people in the U.S are going through their day to day life more or less normally ?? …Besides the whole mask thing obviously.
Either way, I’m not naive to how much ALL of our lives have changed and been affected due to COVID. Aside from spending too much time with ourselves, and getting a real good look at what an amazing person you are … many of you have spent FAR too much time with your significant others. Despite pregnancies being announced left right and center, divorce rates have undoubtedly also gone through the roof. There is no better test for a relationship than going through this COVID pandemic together. If you can get through these times … you can get through … well, anything. Ten kids … no problem. Climb Mount Everest together … easy.
Even with there being a million and one streaming apps, we all manage to run out of things to watch and inevitably do. In comes Sasha with a few ideas to switch up your routine and get outta that funk!
1. At Home Paint Night
I have always wanted to go do a paint night with other couples, but have never actually gone to one. We’ve made plans to go a few times and they’ve fallen through … but it’s still something that remains on my list. Thanks to good ol’ COVID, I don’t foresee myself being able to go to one any time soon.
Fear not, I am one to always take things in to my own hands. You can get anything online these days. It may take longer to get to you now, but regardless … it WILL get to you. I went on to Michaels Art Craft Store and purchased a 10 pack of canvases, easels, paint, and brushes. You can go as extravagant as you want with your paint night, or as simple. The world is your oyster baby! I can’t promise the painting will turn out as professional as they do when you go to a guided paint night, but who cares?? That is not the point. It is something different to do! So, pick a night, set yourself and whomever else up, pour a glass of wine ... or two and get painting! Who knows, you may end up discovering a hidden talent of yours, or make this something you want to do regularly.
2. Dressing up for a Night In
Hi, reservation for two at Mi Casa !
Yes we eat at home every day. But aren’t you in the same outfit you’ve been in for 3 straight days?! It’s time to change … Just for a little bit, I promise.
The hubby and I did this last year with my parents actually. We live with them in the summer times, and we happened to all be in desperate need of a routine change. So one day I announced that come Friday, we were all having dinner in the formal dining room and everyone was required to dress up. And I mean DRESS UP. Heels, a dress, make up, hair gel, dress shirt … the whole nine yards. I received a lot of flack for this initially, but honestly once everyone did it, they were so happy I aggressively forced them into it.
I created menus on my computer that listed every course we would be having as well as the cocktails/wine being “served”. I decorated and set up the table as if we were at a fancy restaurant, lit candles, and we sat carefree for a few hours and just pretended we were somewhere else.
Unfortunately there’s still dishes after which need to be done … but everything before that is nice I promise! You’ll be doing the dishes in a much better spirits!
3. Get Outside!
This activity is something that is an obvious one but should still just be a PSA for EVERYBODY. Whether it is winter outside, or the sun is shinning, GET. YOUR. BUTT. OUTSIDE! We spend far too much time looking at the same four walls day in and day out. It is so crucial to find the time to put some fresh air into your lungs and get a change of scenery.
If walking isn’t your thing and you want to do something different … throw on a pair of rollerblades. NO, it is not as easy as you remember it to be when you were 12. YES, you will be sore the next day. BUT, a fun time will be had.
I don’t know how many times I’ve had to turn to Peter, as he is in the middle of one of his fits and say “GET OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW”. It’s a simple solution, but it works. Mind you most of the time he just goes straight to the golf course, and I’ve lost him for 5 hours … but hey, he isn’t raging anymore! Mission accomplished.
You don’t even need to get outside with someone. I love putting in my ear buds, playing a podcast and going for a walk to just escape everything (the nothing) that is going on at home.
4. Take an Online Cooking Class
A few friends of mine have done this, and it’s something I have on my To-Do list. I love cooking and learning new recipes, and my husband loves to …well eat LOL. I’m sorry, but watching him in the kitchen makes me cringe. Nevertheless, if you’re a hazard in the kitchen or an amateur self proclaimed “chef” … this can still be a fun and did I mention - educational - activity. Also since it is being done in the comfort of you’re own home … feel free to crack open that bottle of wine while you’re making some kitchen magic. You deserve it!
Somehow I’ve found a way to incorporate wine into all of these activities ... except the rollerblading ... I don’t personally recommend that. And yes ... I love my wine. Bottle of Pinot Noir please!
A quick google search will provide you with different options, times, meals and level of class difficulty. Pick what bests suits you and enjoy this fun activity!
Again, I commend you all for getting through these extremely difficult times. Understandably there are moments where this feels as though it will never end. Hopefully some of these fun activities can help bring some life into your days. I am sending you all sanitized hugs, and maybe even an exciting week(end) ahead of you!
xx,
Sash