When I set out to start living life differently a couple of years ago, I knew from prior experience that some habits and a daily routine would help me during this new normal. Interestingly, I think much of this applies today as we adjust to a new normal of working remote, remote schooling, lots of time at home alone or with family, and simply new routines in our lives in the midst of social distancing and a pandemic. Things like travel, concerts, or all of those fancy restaurants on my bucket list will certainly have to wait. However, life doesn’t have to be put on hold entirely it just looks different. Here are some substitutions I am making and 52 social distancing adventures that I am doing right now during this pandemic.
Going Off The Grid
You may have noticed that I have been MIA lately. This is actually by design and part of me asking what role writing plays in my life and if it helps others. I have also literally been off the grid quite a bit. If there is a theme that you will see in the following list of 52 social distancing adventures it is getting outdoors and getting active as much as is possible for you. Here is a part 2 video continuing from the first, with highlights over the summer:
Travel Social Distancing Adventures
I know, many of us have had to cancel travel because of this pandemic. I for one had to cancel Key West, Peru, and Croatia, among others. However, there are responsible ways to have travel adventures without jumping on planes or even staying in hotels. Some can even be done from home.
- Plan your next epic trip. Research shows that the anticipation of awesome travel is almost as awesome as the actual trip (link to anticipation happiness post). Also, travel adventures take lots of time to research and learn everything. Why not do some planning today?
- Take a Virtual Trip. Lots of destinations have virtual tours. This article by Travel & Leisure shares links to a few.
- Fishing. As a fly fisherman we were ahead of the curve on this one often wearing a gaitor over our faces to protect from sun and bugs.
- Distancing is just part of finding the best fishing spots. I have also hit some lakes this summer for bass fishing in the midwest. Travel to fish combined with family has been a great low exposure adventure this summer.
- Hiking. Hiking is literally walking away from populated areas and exploring nature. I have done loads of hikes this summer and am still hopeful to fit in a 14er or two here in Colorado before fall. Travel to hiking areas combined with camping has kept me outdoors and sane.
- Camping. I called this my number one social distancing activity (link) and stand by this. I have hit up federal lands and off the beaten track campgrounds this summer and have been having a blast with family and even some friends (with precautions). Camping gives low exposure access to hikes, fishing, and other outdoors activities.
- Staying with Family / Close Friends. I have stayed with my parents on different floors of the house, with masks on when in the kitchen together, and then distance talking on the porch to be super cautious. I have also stayed with siblings after a discussion about our exposure and risks each has been subjected to. Done carefully this can at least limit exposure to some select friends / family as opposed to a hotel or being out and about in an urban area away from home.
Social Distancing Adventures Alone
- Reading a good book. It can be surprisingly great to sit outside somewhere with a good book or even just pick a day and carve out 2-3 hours to read.
- Listen to podcasts. There are loads of good ones out there and lately I have been enjoying the Earn and Invest Podcast.
- Meditate. I have written before on the practical benefits of meditation and how it has helped me. Even more important during these times.
- Design Your Life With Design Thinking this can be fun and help create optimism about the future as well.
- Home improvement projects. Why not pop on a podcast and paint something or do that simple small remodel. I have been having some fun with home projects over the summer.
- Photography / Drone. Work on your rule of thirds or your photo filters. I also bought a drone and have had a blast trying to learn drone photography (see video above).
- Biking Did you know that a human on a bike is the most energy efficient form of transport. This is a great workout and exploring on a bike is super fun.
- Running For me it always sucks to get myself out the door but then becomes fun once I am moving. Put on some workout tunes and hit those hills hard!
- Rowing Machine Ok I understand that this could be a stand in for any type of workout machine. However, I like rowing because it works core and upper body while my biking and running do a lot more on legs. For me, just 15 minutes of rowing per day is an awesome total body workout.
- Skiing Assuming that measures can be taken to make lifts safe this season I will be back on the slopes and most likely avoiding the lodge.
- Brewing Beer I honestly don’t drink as much beer as I once did however I love brewing. It’s like chopping your own wood warming your twice. It can be meditative if you relax and just follow your plan. Then you get to drink it over and over ’til it’s gone. Ahhhhhh.
- Baking From baking bread to desserts, this is a great way to stay sane and eat well.
- Boating I am land locked here in Colorado but wow was I jelly when I drove back to the midwest and everyone was boating, pulling tubes and boards, and generally cruising around on wide open waters with beautiful sunsets. I miss that lake culture but also can get out on my paddle board here in Colorado and may even rent a boat or go sailing before summer is over.
- Solve a Puzzle Sit down and do a jigsaw puzzle. It can relax the mind. What about a virtual escape room. I have downloaded a couple of free escape room apps for my phone and it can be a fun err escape 😉
- Make Music Yes this is a huge hobby of mine and I have also done a number of studio albums. However, most of us have some old instrument lying around. Coming up with your own song can be fun. With stuff like Garage Band from Apple anyone can make cool music without even playing an instrument or singing a note.
- Declutter We have done some Kondo style decluttering (my lady’s idea). It is good to take stock of your stuff and see if it is bringing joy into your life or just adding clutter.
- Take a Bath This is my go to when all else fails and I am just having one of those bad days. Who doesn’t feel renewed after a soak?
- Have a Different Conversation Call up your parents or grandparents and have a different conversation. Prepare with some interesting questions about their life, see what they think about what is happening today in the world, or talk philosophy. If this time of solitude is hard for you, it’s probably harder for them. There is wisdom there if you ask the right questions and really listen. I interviewed my grandfather for a class once in college and was amazed. I didn’t know he had actually seen Al Capone!
Use Your Boredom To Get Rich
Ok this whole section is kind of what the financial independence part of Life Outside The Maze is about. However, why not look into some of these now. This crazy time period is bound to create some change and some opportunities. It is a good time to translate some of your boredom into dollar signs $$$
- –Create a budget
- –Review your investment portfolio
- –Start your side hustle (real estate investing, creating things, etc)
- –Review your company benefits. Can you be better at using your 401k, health, childcare, ESPP, or other benefits? Just using these can be like a 20% raise!
- –Look at 80 ways to spend less money
Dating Social Distancing Adventures
Whether you are single or in a relationship, dating and feeling connection are still important. Here are some ways I have been making dates happen during social distancing.
- Picnic in park. Break out the blanket, buy some olives, bread, and cheese. Don’t forget that bottle of red. A great day can cost so little save your state of mind.
- Chez Your Place. Cook for your special someone and present a menu and then serve her/him. For my lady and I, we actually had our kids serve us a romantic dinner. We made it fun for them and for us.
- Movie Night. I know Netflix and chill has been around before Covid19 but what about a projector on a bed sheet in the backyard movie night? What about popcorn and theater style candy? Get creative and the right movie choice can be perfect.
- Playing Tennis. I’m not talking about a 6 set death match but more some light athletic activity where you say positive things about your boo and keep it fun. Tennis, golf, some lawn game. Anything similar fits the bill.
- Go for a Walk Some of my best conversations happen during walks. It’s free and gets you going in the same direction.
- Get Takeout or Delivery Sometimes you are tired of cooking and restaurants sure need the business. Less focus on having to cook means more focusing on other things.
- Sit on a Blanket and Look at Stars / Clouds “Hey baby did you know the light from those stars is 2000 years old?” Looking at the stars can be pretty romantic. We rarely spend time just looking up at the sky and it is at least as fascinating as a movie.
- Scenic Drive Yes it does mean that you have to take out your car but sometimes you just really have to escape the house. A short drive to a scenic spot can be great.
Social Distancing Adventures With Friends
- Golf. It is easy to stay 6 feet apart on a golf course. While golf can be expensive, specials or twilight golf this can make it more affordable too. The only restaurant meal that I have eaten since Covid19 was on a terrace at a golf course with tables 20 feet apart and a server wearing a mask and gloves. Ahh the times we live in.
- Video Conference Parties I have done poker, dance party, and just happy hours all over Zoom video conference. It is better than sitting alone and the face to face does something a phone call can’t do.
- Deck or Patio Hangout. I have done this with friends where our whole families met on a deck and had dinner together while the families ate separate meals and stayed 6-10 feet apart. It’s fun to be together even if you are separate.
- Games Online. Name the game and the chances are that you can play it for free virtually online with friends. Give it a shot.
- Watch a Virtual Concert Together I know it’s not the same but it is something. Musicians make their livelihoods from performing and many are offering free concerts just to engage with fans. Check out your favorite band with a friend even if you now live in different states.
- Go to a Beach I’m not talking about some packed Florida beach here but what about a remote pond or reservoir. Find your private space and enjoy the day with friends. Distancing is easy outside.
Social Distancing Adventures For Kids / Family
I don’t like lame kid things either. But some of these are fun for adults too. These are some of the things that have kept my little ones from attacking eachother and driving me up the wall.
- Making candy and dried fruit. I have busted out the dehydrator with cheap summer produce. We have also made home made hard candy 4 times over the past few months. Sweet treats is a good incentive to get the little ones doing an engaging activity for awhile.
- Water Fight or Backyard Pool Yeah we sprung for this fancy inflatable pool on Amazon and it has been worth every penny. Also when parents join in water fights kids can’t believe the mayhem. It is super fun on a hot day.
- Treasure Hunt One clue leads to the next and eventually to treasure! Kids make them for siblings or parents for kids. This can be a fun adventure.
- Make Forts For some reason building forts never goes out of style with kids. Only rule is of course that they clean it up when they are done.
- Computer Skills. My kids are up to around 50 WPM on a game called nitro type. This or others similar gamify teaching your kid how to type. Similarly there is Hour of Code which is free online and teaches your kids how to code. Why not have them learn a valuable skill as opposed to just watch youtube or play video games.
- Learn to Juggle. I bought these juggling scarves on Amazon for less than $10 and have gotten hours of entertainment for my kids while they learn to juggle.
- Playing Soccer / Baseball / Basketball This one is about a sport that the whole family can play at once. It gets everyone outside and moving.
- Metal Detecting I wrote about this quirky one in a previous post. That old metal detector I had in the garage turned into days of adventure for my boys.
- Telescope Buying a telescope and then looking at the night sky as a family is education disguised as fun.
The Most Important Social Distancing Adventure That I Missed
52 social distancing adventures means one for every week of the year. These are some of the things that I have been up to recently and I hope that they help you as well. However, what did I miss? I’d love to steal shamelessly from your ideas too. Please share in the comments below.
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