A Taste of Normalcy: Bringing the Outdoors In
Not too long ago, our lives heavily revolved around the outside world. Weekdays were spent beating the early morning traffic and hustling hard at work, while weekends were intended for catching up over lunch dates and movie nights. Even the holidays were reserved for road trips or long-planned getaways we always wished would never end. It seemed almost like we wanted to be everywhere and anywhere but home—until the coronavirus pandemic forced us to stay indoors.
And while this might be an entirely unfamiliar experience that has led to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, it doesn’t mean that life has to stop. In fact, we can have as much of a good time without ever having to step out the door. Instead of waiting for the new normal to set in, why don’t we rediscover our routines by bringing the world we used to know and sorely miss into the comforts of home? Below are some usual activities we never realized can go beyond ordinary when alternatively enjoyed at home:
WATCHING MOVIES. Nothing comes close to the inexplicable joy of slumping back on your seat and watching a much-awaited film on the big screen. But with movie theaters indefinitely closed, online streaming service providers are probably the next best thing. We’ve all been there: staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish a full season, waiting patiently for new episodes to drop, and replaying your favorite scenes until you’ve memorized every single line.
Binge-watching has become so accessible that you’ll need nothing more than your mobile or laptop, which can be conveniently mirrored to your TV for better viewing. The best part? You get front-row seats from any corner of your house, be it your cozy living room couch or comfortably unfixed bed.
EATING YOUR CRAVINGS. We used to dread lining up at fast food chains and waiting tables at restaurants, yet we’re ready to give up anything just to experience them again. Thanks to food delivery services, we are able to indulge in our favorite comfort dishes from our own dining tables—and using our well-kept dinnerware originally saved for special occasions.
On days when creativity kicks in, though, unleash your inner master chef and let the kitchen be your playground. This may finally be the time you tried your hand at cooking and baking, without the pressure of strictly following a recipe or perfecting it at first try. Perhaps it won’t taste like the real thing, but you’d at least be proud to have whipped up a culinary masterpiece.
WORKING OUT. Staying home is definitely no excuse to not keep an active lifestyle, but don’t worry because we know the struggle is real! Working out requires a certain level of commitment, and many of us find such motivation by signing up for gym memberships or enrolling in spin classes, among others. Now that our options are very limited, we can rely on home workout programs instead, and start our own fitness journey with just an exercise mat.
This is the most crucial time for us to develop a new routine that would help boost our immune system. Give yourself an extra push by putting on your workout clothes, wearing your trusty sneakers, and blasting upbeat music from your speakers. Yes, all these even if you’re not leaving the confines of your bedroom!
SHOPPING. Retail therapy exists for a reason: it can effectively ease stress and take our minds off our worries, albeit temporarily. This explains why during tough days, we get the urge to buy absolutely anything, even when we don’t necessarily need it. However, with malls not an ideal place to be at the moment, online e-commerce platforms are our new best friend in purchasing with just a click of a button.
Of course, groceries and other essentials should still top our list. But considering how hard you’ve strived to adjust to this different kind of normal, we believe you deserve to also treat yourself every once in a while. That sequined pillow cover you’ve been eyeing? Or that mini oven toaster you’ve been saving up for? Go ahead, it’s high time you checked out items that have long been sleeping on your cart.
How about you? What have you tried to simulate normalcy? Share with us below or via IG stories and tag us @beyondordinary.ph!