How to beat boredom in a socially distanced summer. Image credit: AdobeStock
Hopefully, Australia is over the worst of the coronavirus pandemic. The number of infections is dropping, and restrictions are gradually being relaxed. But some states are still higher risk than others, and all are staying on guard against the possibility of new variants arriving from the UK and elsewhere. As things start to get back to normal, physical distancing is still required in most situations and most territories, while many large-scale summer events and festivals are postponed for another year.
With this in mind, what can we do to keep ourselves amused during the summer months? It’s important not to automatically go right up to the legal limit. Just because you can have up to 100 people over for a house party doesn’t mean that you should. We still have to think and behave responsibly, and just because the danger has receded, it doesn’t mean it’s over.
Bricks and mortar casinos have reopened in some states, but if you’re stuck at home or wary of indoor spaces, you may prefer to play casino games online. Sites like the Mohegan Sun online casino are also available as a mobile app or mobile-friendly website, so you can bet real money playing over 500 slots, plus table games or video poker, wherever you happen to be. Using the Mohegan Sun’s no deposit bonus code will give you an extra $20 to spend, as well as a 100% match bonus of up to $1000.
Summer doesn’t have to be all parties, barbies and big get-togethers. One of the greatest summer pleasures can consist of a quiet place, a good book and a few long, lazy hours to enjoy being on your own with your imagination. Some years, however, the louder and more obvious activities mean that your summer reading time can, sadly, be curtailed.
Why not make 2021 the year you go hard on your summer reading? Find a favourite shady spot, maybe in your own garden or elsewhere, take a few snacks and plenty of liquids, and get stuck in. You don’t even have to go outside; reading on your own bed or couch with the sun streaming in through the window can be just as rewarding. And if books aren’t your thing, why not enjoy a summer podcast?
If you can’t take the kids to the usual places and a big vacation is out of the question, you may need to fall back on old-fashioned home entertainment. Why not try to get everyone to put away their screens for a while and dig out some classic board games? The likes of Monopoly and Cluedo are classics for a reason. The more adventurous might want to dust off their tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons?
You may not be able to travel far or attend big social events, but there are lots of things you can find to do in your local neighbourhood, either on your own or with family. Take a walk to somewhere nearby you’ve never been. Explore overlooked areas and make up stories about what you find. Limitations can be a gift to the imagination, and the places you discover will feel special because you’re the one that made them special.
If you’ve always fancied yourself as a bit of a cook but never really found the time, now is the perfect opportunity to get stuck in. Make the kitchen your kingdom and indulge yourself in some slow food adventures. For bonus points use local, seasonal produce and see what you can come up with. You’ll not only feel a sense of achievement, but you’ll also have a healthier diet as well.
However you decide to spend your summer, remember that social distancing isn’t forever, and the current restrictions don’t mean the end of fun. Find out what is and isn’t currently allowed in your area and, if appropriate, arrange to meet friends for distanced walks or other outdoor activities.
See what venues and amenities are open. They may not be your usual first choice but look on this as an opportunity to try something different. There’s no need to put your whole life on hold this summer. Focus on enjoying what you can do rather than missing what you can’t. You may end up having the time of your life.