What’s that sound? Just the sound of sweet, sweet, freedom (well, sort of).
While life has in no way returned to the norm, restrictions and lockdowns enforced by governments around the world are beginning to ease, meaning we can once again enjoy some of life’s many little pleasures.
Wondering what to do and where to begin? Check out the Top 8 Things To Do Now Restrictions Have Eased below!
1. Go For a Hike
As cities slowly ease their lockdowns and restrictions, parks once more begin to crowd with groups of people basking in some much needed and missed sunlight, and streets are again filled with clusters of people waiting in line for coffee made by an actual barista and not a questionably slow at home Nespresso machine.
If the city’s growing hustle and bustle is still a little too much for you, consider heading to the countryside for a rejuvenating day trip and hike for a breath of fresh air (away from the crowds).
Get Started Tip: Try searching for ‘Top Hikes Near Me’ on Google - you’ll almost always discover an area you’ve never visited before!
2. Write a List Of Friends You Want To Visit - But Don’t Visit Them All At Once
If there’s one thing that lockdown has taught us about social connections, it’s that the Internet (and Zoom, to be specific) is a lifesaver.
And while video calls have undoubtedly helped us all maintain our social contacts from afar these last few months (albeit the occasional freeze or broken connection), easing of restrictions now makes it possible to see our friends for real again. While this is exciting to say the least - if you’re still apprehensive of seeing a group of people, consider making a list of the top 5 friends you want to see and arranging a one on one catchup with them outside somewhere (the park or beach is perfect!).
Get Started Tip: Parks and beaches are perfect for hang outs with friends if you’re still wanting to practice physical distancing, but so is a walk around your neighbourhood!
3. Connect With Nature
Rejoice - parks and beaches are again a legal place to visit in many cities (who thought we’d be saying that at the beginning of the year!).
Make the most of your outdoor freedom by connecting with nature, either by yourself (a good book in the park goes down a treat on a lazy Sunday) or with a small group of friends.
4. Host a Small Dinner Party
If you’re allowed visitors over, go on and throw them a dinner party!
Chances are you’ve already been sharpening your cooking skills during lockdown anyway (banana breads and sourdoughs have had somewhat of a renaissance this year) - so why not show off your new found expertise with a feast for your friends now that you’re allowed to?
If you’ve been channeling all your free time into yoga and attempting to water paint instead (and your cooking skills are for that reason somewhat lacklustre), order some take away - the main thing is you can now indulge in unhealthy eating habits together.
Get Started Tip: If you want a home cooked meal but don’t want to do everything yourself, ask everyone to bring a dish and turn the night into a potluck!
5. Drop Off Some Home Made Goodies To Your Friends
While we’re on the topic of cooking, food is always better shared, so why not visit your friends (now that you’re allowed to) and make your reunion all the sweeter by bringing some home made baked goods with you to eat together?
If your meals during lockdown consisted solely of Uber Eats and toast and your cooking skills have taken a turn for the worse - you can always bring over something else you’ve been enjoying during lockdown (bring over your favourite book for them to read or go for a walk around a new pocket of your neighbourhood you’ve discovered).
Get Started Tip: Like the look of these cookies? Try out a killer recipe here.
6. Go For a Picnic
Easing of restrictions has led to parks once more being opened and gathering of small groups being permitted - meaning that picnics are now legal again and very much a thing you should be doing (because friends and food).
If the weather permits - grab a picnic blanket, some delicious food and head to your local park, either with a small group of people, or if you still prefer to practice physical distancing - yourself and a book!
Get Started Tip: After a picnic with an element of mystery? Check out AmazingCo’s Mystery Picnics here!
7. Support Your Local Cafe
If you’ve missed the taste of a decent cup of Jo and your Nespresso machine is becoming more temperamental with each passing day (why is the milk just really hot froth now?) - don your active gear, grab a pal, and head to your local coffee shop for a takeaway coffee that won’t burn the roof of your mouth off.
You’ll be supporting a local business that has been going through a really tough time, and have a delicious beverage to keep you energised and fuelled on your walk.
8. See the Family
It might sounds obvious, but you should really visit your family.
Lockdown and restrictions have been hard on us all, and it’s more important than ever to make sure our loved ones are doing okay. While you may be inclined to visit every friend under the sun who you’ve had to Zoom the past three or so months - don’t forget about your family too.
Pay your parents a visit, hang out with your siblings, and check up on your grandparents (if you don’t feel comfortable entering their home, wave at them from the balcony or converse outside from a safe distance).
And there you have it -
The Top 8 Things To Do Now That Restrictions Have Eased!
Whether you’re excited to see your friends, or prefer to continue practicing physical distancing, give yourself time to enjoy these new (old) freedoms and take a deep breath - you’re doing just fine.
If you’re after some fun activities to do with small groups of friends (or virtually, if you’re still practicing physical distancing), feel free to check out AmazingCo’s range of At Home Experiences.
