Summer Plans

Jul 09, 2020

This summer may look a little different than past summers: Summer activities during COVID-19 aren’t quite the same as your traditional summer activities. As we continue social distancing and begin slowly reopening in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic, some summer traditions—summer camps, outdoor concerts, big fireworks displays, summer vacations—may be curtailed for everyone’s safety.

But that doesn’t mean summer 2020 has to be a bummer. Don’t focus on all the summer activities that have been canceled or put on the unsafe list—instead, think about the positive, and all the wonderful things you can still do at home or while social distancing this summer.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in the summer at home—or simply want to focus on the simple pleasures of the season—try some of these stellar summer activities and staycation ideas that are just as wonderful as your traditional summer vacation plans. 

1. Make your own ice cream
2. Make s’mores
3. Have a water balloon fight
4. Go stargazing
5. Nap in a hammock
6. Have a barbecue
7. Seek out a drive-in movie (or make your own)
8. Have a backyard or indoor scavenger hunt
9. Grow a little garden
10. Create a sidewalk chalk art gallery
11. Finish the perfect summer read
12. Go for a socially distanced hike
13. Picnic in your backyard—or your living room
14. Visit an outdoor farmer’s market
15. Make massive ice cream sundaes
16. Master something new—a new dance step, a new hobby, or a new cooking technique
17. Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard
18. Give yourself a fun pedicure (rainbow toes, anyone?)
19. Go for a scenic drive
20. Make your own pesto
21. Go to the beach—six feet away from other beachgoers
22. Go fishing
23. Run a virtual 5K

Whatever you do this summer, please have fun and stay safe!

Fun Things To Do At Home

Mar 26, 2020

We’ve survived the first weeks of social distancing while working from home and taking classes online. Now is the time to relax, but when you’ve been cooped up for a week, and still can’t hit the malls or movie theaters, how can you spend your time?

• Virtually go to the Zoo! The Cincinnati Zoo is hosting live events every day at 3pm on their Facebook Live. Check out the page here
• Attend a live concert from your couch! Check out the artists and schedules here
• Binge watch a series. Have you been wondering what Baby Yoda is all about? Why not catch up on the Mandalorian now? You can also make this social with the Google Chrome Extension of the Netflix Party and watch with your friends remotely
• Learn a language. The Duolingo app is free and has more than 30 language courses. While you won’t become fluent with the app it is a great way to start!
• Attend the Metropolitan Opera during their nightly streams
• You can also visit museums on Google Arts and Culture. MoMA in New York City and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
• Watch a Broadway show or check out the Living Room Concert Series
• Read a book that you’ve been putting off. Audible is also offering some free audio books through their app
• Go for a hike or walk at a local park
• Facetime family members or friends! You don’t need to distance yourself fully with all of the technology at your finger tips
• Always wanted to learn to make the perfect scrambled egg? Now is the best time to start learning how to cook or bake
• Listen to a new podcasts! Get recommendations from your friends, and there are educational ones, and even ones focused around different hobbies
• Stream a movie early! Yes the movie theaters are closed but a lot of movies are being released early and on various streaming services. Check out the list here

For more lists of things to watch, listen to, and do check out the New York Times suggestions

Happy New Year!

Jan 09, 2020

Sticking to Your New Year Resolution

We have all heard the saying “New Year, New Me” when it comes to bringing in a new year. While this is a great time to make changes that you believe will be beneficial to your life going forward, there are a lot of times when sticking to your resolutions becomes harder than expected. The sky is the limit when it comes to these resolutions but making them realistic gives you the greatest chance of sticking to them. Below are some tips to help you stick to your New Year Resolution.

Start Small- If you have a resolution to exercise more in the New Year, it can be hard to go from 0-100. Help yourself by starting small and working up to your expected goal as you move along. This will increse your chances of sticking to the goal and creating a routine/habit.

Change One Behavior at a Time- If you have more than one resolution, focus on one at a time. Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time so replacing them will take times as well.

Make It Personal- While you are making your goals for the year, think of why it is important to you. By determining your inner motivation, and writing your goals down, you will be personally inspired to stick to it and keep progressing.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection- Perfection is unattainable so making small steps towards your goals are normal and okay. Don’t let the image of perfection stop you from seeing all the progress you are making day in and day out.