While COVID-19 has kept people from around the world mostly indoors, many have gone stir crazy. However, you don’t have to feel trapped. There are plenty of things you can do at home and in your garden or backyard can enjoy activities that you can enjoy with family, friends (assuming you’re adhering to local public gathering regulations), and even by yourself.
If You Live Alone
Living alone does not have to be boring or lonely. Your backyard — or even terrace — can be a good place to while away your time or discover new hobbies and talents. Here are some things you can do if you live by yourself:
- Plant – Express your love for plants and start at your own garden. Spring and summer months are a great time for planting flowers, shrubs, or if you like, vegetables.
- Set up a hammock – If you are lucky to have a tree in your backyard, you can set up a hammock. Hammocks can come in many materials — net, cloth, wood, and others. You can upcycle materials you have lying around.
- Read a book – Great books are best read at a comfortable spot at home. With just a few pillows and works from your favourite authors, you are set to have a relaxing day.
- Paint – One of the most popular things to do in the backyard is painting. If you have a beautifully landscaped backyard, you can start painting the greens or focus on a single plant. Do not shy away from art because it is one of the most relaxing ways to spend your day alone.
- Gaze at the stars – Are you an astrology enthusiast? There are many astrological phenomena and celestial bodies that you can watch at the comforts of your own backyard. Experts say you don’t need sophisticated gadgets since simple telescopes can offer you a sufficient view of the night sky. There are also some applications you can download to check for celestial activities.
- Learn to play a new instrument – Is there any musical instrument that you’ve always wanted to play? Free lessons for a variety of instruments are available online.
- Get fit – Your backyard can provide an amazing place for yoga, pilates, and other physical activities. Did you know that outdoor exercises not only help keep your body healthy but also promote a healthier mindset?
- Meditate – Meditation can help clear the mind, improve concentration, reduce stress, and helps preserve your sense of self. Your backyard is one of the best places in your home for meditation. Doing this in nature, surrounded by your plants and trees, can also help improve your health.
- Start a DIY project – Have you been itching to repaint the fence? Do you dream about setting up a roof garden? There are countless do-it-yourself projects available online which could turn your backyard from bland to glam.
If You Are Living With Family
Time with family is very important. Take this opportunity to stay home with everyone, bond, and connect. There are a great number of things to do in your backyard while on quarantine and living with your family. Here are a few ideas:
- Build a fort with the kids – Childhood is much more fun with forts. Even adults love them. If you want to make the most out of family time, build a fort that you and your kids will love. You can use different materials and create different designs, too.
- Install a board for writing – Are you one of those parents who often find scribbles on your walls? Keep your kids from vandalizing your walls by creating a space for them to express their creativity. Build a writing wall in your backyard. You can even make use of this when helping them with their lessons or homework.
- Set up outdoor games – Frisbee, sack races, and other outdoor games are a great way for children (and for you) to get active while having fun. Play is a very helpful activity for parents and children to bond.
- Set up an inflatable pool – Kids will always love playing with water and an inflatable can save you from the hassle of driving outside. You can have a big inflatable pool so that you can join in the fun.
- Picnic – Add a little twist to your usual meals by organizing a picnic right at home. A picnic will allow you to enjoy good food outdoors without your family having to step outside the property.
- Outdoor theatre – Does your family enjoy watching movies? Bring the theatre to your own home! With a curtain, projector, and laptop, you can start watching as many movies with your family as you like. Make sure to add popcorn and your favourite drinks.
- Storytelling – Make reading a bonding activity for you and your kids. Early morning or sunset storytelling sessions in the garden can turn lonely days into exciting adventures.
- Camping – Let the kids enjoy the outdoors in the comfort of your own backyard. Set up a tent for you and the little ones and enjoy camping activities like stargazing or cooking by the fire. They will truly appreciate it.
Spending Time with Friends
Your backyard is also a great place to spend time with your friends. Here are a few activities you can do:
- Barbecue Parties – Grilling outdoors is a fun way to catch up with friends while sharing a hearty meal. Barbecues are pretty straightforward dishes but they offer great flavour.
- Smores Nights – You can always enjoy your favourite grilled marshmallows without having to go camping. Your backyard can offer you that great outdoorsy feel without the hassle of driving away from home.
- Group Fitness Activities – Fitness enthusiasts would always say that nothing beats the motivation that group fitness activities can do. Take it into your backyard
COVID-19 Precautions
With the new coronavirus pandemic still at large, Canada has set a few visitation rules. Staying safe is the current priority and hosting activities for friends are best reserved for when the pandemic has been eradicated. However, with a few precautions, you can still enjoy these activities.
One option is to do these together with your neighbours — from a safe distance, preferably while they’re in their own lawn or backyards! Everyone can exercise, for example, in their own respective properties together, maybe even to the same music.
Alternatively, you can organize a video call with your friends while you do these activities. While it’s not a substitute for an actual visit, it still gives you the opportunity for conversation and a sense of community.
There is a long list of what to do in your backyard. However, to make the most of it, you have to make sure that your backyard is in tip-top shape and that your plants are healthy and look their best.
To help you maintain your garden trees and shrubs, contact Dave Lund Tree Service & Forestry Co. Ltd. We are a trusted tree service provider and arborist in the York Region. Dial (905) 884-0511, (905)-775-1020, or toll-free at 1-800-363-0511.