The global Covid-19 pandemic and its ensuing lockdowns have critically changed our mobility and the way we approach regular outdoor activities. It seems that limited mobility and movement restrictions will now be part of the “new normal”, as with vigilance and standard health and safety measures. 

A lot of us may miss activities that have us going out of the house for fun or for more practical reasons. Outdoor activities such as concerts, movies, parties, and events will have to be put on hold as the world adapts to social distancing measures. We will also have to rethink practicalities such as going out for supplies, exercising, and going to school or to work. Here are some safer alternatives to outdoor activities that will make sure that we are safe as we work our way through this pandemic.

Supplies:

Online shopping has seen a boost during the time of Covid. A lot of shops now have mobile apps and web platforms to ensure that supplies are available for online ordering and logistics companies are there to make sure that these supplies can be delivered promptly and safely without the need to go out of our homes. You can even order food and shopping items from social media pages and have them delivered via in-house delivery services or through a courier of your choice. Not only is online ordering faster, but also more convenient. Ordering supplies like medicine, groceries, or food from the safety of our homes reduces the chance of exposure to the virus – an excellent safety measure in this time of more virulent virus strains. 

Entertainment:

Admittedly, this one is harder to find an alternative for. There simply can be no replacement for the experience of seeing a concert, play, show, or game live. However, we can always improvise. A lot of artists now hold shows via video conferencing platforms. For example, I have recently bought tickets to attend a stand-up comedy show hosted via Zoom. Some concerts are available online, too. As for movies, it is fairly easy to recreate with a bit of imagination or improvisation. Hold family movie nights or date nights by renting the latest release from these online movie rental services: 

• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Vudu Movie Rentals
• Google TV / Google Play Movies & TV
• YouTube Movies
• Fandango

Exercise:

Very few of us have the money to invest in an indoor gym. At most, we buy equipment that is practical and easy to store. You can still get some exercise using bodyweight and whatever is available at home, like cans or bottles as dumbbell replacements. Some areas allow 1 to 2 hours of outdoor exercise as well. Lastly, you can buy affordable exercise equipment online, like resistance bands, yoga mats, and dumbbells, and then follow exercise routines from health gurus on social media. YouTube has a lot of FREE resources. 

What are your safe alternatives to outdoor activities? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp