The Good Things I’ll Carry With Me From the Pandemic, Part 2

Not too long ago, someone said to me, “I can’t wait for spring to arrive. I’ve never had such a boring winter in my life.”

On the one hand, I can relate. The pandemic has us stuck at home far more than we’re used to.

On the other hand, I think the last time I was bored was when I was on bedrest when I was pregnant. That’s when I discovered that having unlimited time to watch movies and read books is actually not much fun.

I’m aware that as an introvert, it’s been easier for me than for many extraverts to deal with the limitations imposed by the pandemic. But even I wish I could hang out with friends the way I used to. I also keenly miss some of the activities I enjoyed in the past, such as going to a local conservatory during the winter to soak in some warmth and greenery.

Like so many of us, I want my “normal” life back. But the pandemic has stretched me as I’ve worked to find new ways to relax and have fun. Here’s what I’ve learned about finding enjoyment when my options are limited.

It’s hard to overestimate the value of nature.

I think a lot of us have gained a little more appreciation for the outdoors. I walked with my mom–6 feet behind her–often last summer. My husband went kayaking with friends. Being outdoors allowed us to see people we love safely and helped us escape from being stuck within the same walls day in and down out. Although any outdoor space was fair game (a friend and I would set out chairs on grassy medians in parking lots so that we could eat ice cream and chat together), there was something particularly comforting about natural surroundings.

Even before 2020, I’d found that a walk in a local park was restoring at the end of a hard day, but now more than ever the pandemic has made it clear that parks and other green spaces are worth their weight in gold. Once we are able to gather safely indoors with friends and family, I hope that we also continue to find joy in being outdoors–together or alone.

Finding fun may require creativity.

Last summer I wrote about my “semication,” during which I worked half-days and then took imaginary vacations to other places through foods and activities. It didn’t substitute for really being at any of those places, but it made for a fun, refreshing week. I can’t claim that I don’t miss going to a movie with a friend, visiting the Minnesota State Fair with my mom, or attending local science fiction conventions, but at least I can find creative ways to imitate those experiences at home.

It can be a blessing to have a sizeable bucket list.

I cannot possibly get through my long “to read” and “to watch” lists before I die. On top of those lists, I have more lists of things I want to do and try. And while some of those things–like watching a curling match in person–cannot or should not be pursued during a pandemic, others, such as trying new recipes, are doable. Make long lists of things you want to read, watch, and do, and it will be very difficult to be bored.

There’s a lot to be said for “snail mail.”

I don’t think I’ve been this interested in the mail since I was waiting for college acceptance letters when I was a high school senior. As I mentioned in my last post, my days have been brightened by cards from friends. Assuming others might feel the same, I sent more cards in the past year than I have in a long time. I also purchased an issue of The Letter Exchange and sent letters off in response to several listings. Now I eagerly await any responses I get. Every day with something fun in the mail–a card, a real letter, a paycheck, the occasional package–is a day to celebrate.

Making the conscious effort to schedule small daily fun pays off.

In February, I was feeling particularly gloomy, as the pace of vaccinations at the time made it look like most of 2021 would not be that different from 2020. So I looked at my calendar for March and scheduled small, fun activities for every single day. I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with Irish music and food. I tried a new dessert recipe. I created a playlist. I dressed up one day, even though I had nowhere to go. I used whatshouldireadnext.com to generate book suggestions based on something I enjoyed. I went from feeling bleak about the future to feeling excited about March, because I had something, however small, to look forward to every single day.

What has the pandemic taught you about how to relax and have fun, even when your options are limited?