Layman Transport has made a list of suggestions for finding everyday joys and with a little creativity and effort, we’re sure you can make most of these ideas work.
As concerts are postponed, sporting events canceled, schools closed and most businesses shut down, we are all looking for something to distract us from watching the news 24/7.
Remaining inside (even for those who show no sign of illness) is an essential way to relieve pressure from our health system and is an important measure to help "flatten the curve". If the global Coronavirus pandemic has suddenly given you lots of extra time, you’ll probably have to work with what you have on hand, since so many stores are closed.
Layman Transport has made a list of suggestions for finding everyday joys and with a little creativity and effort, we’re sure you can make most of these ideas work.
1. Start a garden
Planting seedlings and watching their growth is rewarding, as well as educational. Pick out several types of vegetables, flowers or herbs and start them indoors before the growing season.
You would want to know what type of plants you are planting and the time needed. You would need to do a bit of research as to what would be the best time to plant then enjoy the fruits of your labor once your plants have fully matured. The time frame differs between various types of plants. Most plants take 3-15 weeks to mature to a level to be transferred to another place.
When they’re ready and the weather permits, roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty by moving them outside in the backyard (or your windowsill, if you don't have outdoor space).It brings great joy to watch them develop and bloom once they are transplanted into a garden or a larger pot.
2. Exercise
Working out is something that is great for our physical and mental health. Spend your free time getting your body ready for the summer season! You don't need a gym membership to sweat it out, there are plenty of videos that can show you how to work every single muscle in your body. Luckily for us, some local trainers are giving free virtual workouts during this period. This is an especially good option for anyone who does not have much workout equipment at home. Replace your gym visit with an at-home work-out, with squats, burpees and press-ups all achievable without equipment. This is a fun and lively way of getting our community together while also being a healthy and positive thing for us to do.
3. DIY Sugar Shack Brunch with the family
Sadly, the Sugar Shack season has been cancelled for 2020. Bring the cabane à sucre home with a rich, indulgent, do-it-yourself sugar shack feast, complete with traditional dishes: a hearty bowl of yellow pea soup, baked ham, omelette or scrambled eggs, sausages, tourtière (Québec’s famous meat pie), baked beans, cretons and oreilles de crisse (deep-fried pork rinds) and of course, maple!
To pull off this luxurious DIY sugar shack feast, be sure to stock up your online grocery basket with maple syrup and other grocery essential!
4. Play board games
Board games are an excellent way to have fun at home. Here are some options to choose from:
Order from a local game store and see what appeals to the taste of your family. The great thing about board games is that you are able to interact with everyone while playing.
Let the games begin!
5. Do puzzles
You’ve probably forgotten how fun and addicting doing puzzles is. Hours can be spent finding just the right pieces to add to the puzzle. The best part is when you see the finished product. This isn’t a one-night activity, so set aside a place for that puzzle to be undisturbed. You can find mats that roll your puzzle up when you aren’t working on it. If you have a spare table that isn’t used daily, you could have it there on display and readily available to continue on.
6. Movie night
The lights are low, the volume’s up, and a great film is playing on the big screen. You can’t go wrong with a movie night! Invest in having good movie viewing equipment because nothing can ruin a movie night like a poor-quality setup (messy environment, low visual quality, noisy background).
First of all, opt for a projector that will work indoors and out and surround yourself with home theater speakers for an immersive movie experience at home. Switch off the lights or use a lamp with a dimmer switch, if you don't want to forgo illumination altogether. If it's still light outside, some blackout curtains are a must-have. Create a comfy viewing space for everyone and Make sure you have plenty of popcorn, snacks and drinks on hand! Also, just because you planned the movie night doesn’t mean you have to take on all the responsibilities. Give everyone tasks like cleaning, arranging, or setting up the video and audio before the movie rolls.
There are many movies that have sequels. Pick a genre that your family would enjoy. Plan for a whole evening of back-to-back viewing of the movies.
7. Have a photo shoot
Make sure you have enough battery; you don't want it to die in the middle of your photoshoot! Prepare your set-up and gather together to take family pictures. Make sure each member has individual shots as well. Acting as a professional photographer, be creative in the photos you take. Take funny pictures. Take serious pictures. Take candid shots. The joy of digital photography is that you can take as many photos as you like and delete what doesn’t work.
Around the world, countless people continue to care for the most vulnerable and to provide essential services to their community. We are thankful for their dedication and for the hope it brings.
Together, we will rise to the challenges ahead.
