How can you safely have more fun?

Despite the move to level 2, I am hearing that people were feeling a bit down last week and wonder if it is to do with the increased uncertainty and fear around transmission of the virus with more relaxed regulations. This definitely applies to me. Level 2 means that our family needs to be even more vigilant and cautious, and I am really feeling the effects of ‘caution fatigue’. I think there’s also a few other reasons, like the fact that we are hard-wired for human connection and we are missing being able to really connect with our loved ones. We’ve also been so busy in crisis mode that we have not prioritised fun, which is compounded by the fact that the ways we often have fun are no longer available to us. During two workshops I ran last week, we spoke about the areas of our ‘wheel of life’ that need the most attention and FUN was at the top of the list, followed closely by exercise! So, let’s take Key Steps this week to find safe ways to have fun (and maybe include some exercise with it):

 1.     Connect with family and friends outdoors. Because the virus is spread through tiny respiratory droplets released when talking, coughing or sneezing, when you’re indoors (especially in close quarters), you are sharing more air than you do outdoors and at more risk. Choose to picnic, go for a walk, hike or get a takeaway coffee and meet a friend in the parking lot and chat through your respective car windows. This should allow you to maintain the minimum safe distance of 2 meters. Remember to greet with an elbow bump (if you feel the need for a physical greeting) and follow all safety protocol. I would also recommend that you still stick to your “quaran-team.” Don’t connect with people if you are unsure of their Covid behaviour and movements as many people are meeting up in secret – unsafely – and you put yourself and your loved ones at risk if you connect with them.

 2.     Go camping. Personally, I’d have to be locked down for a few years before I’d choose camping ?? but it might work for your family. Here it becomes critical to stick to your “quaran-team” and do not go away with other families that might have been going to high-risk places like play dates with friends, the gym or bars. If you have young children, as the weather gets warmer, camping in the back yard can create a sense of doing something novel and fun and enable you to stay safe. Not so sure about the sane part ?? but you’ll be safe.

 3.     Play active games in or outdoors. Hide and seek is a firm favourite in our house and happens once or twice a day. Hearing Mila count, “one, two, three, seven, eleven, here I come, ready or not” gets me smiling every time. She is getting so good with her numbers now that I’m missing her random counting. You might want to create an obstacle course in the garden, chalk up hop scotch, go online and order a new puzzle to build (I would be doing this if lockdown was happening pre-Mila). The list is endless – please share any fun ideas that you have tried and enjoyed.

 4.     Go to a roadhouse or for a drive to get an ice-cream. We don’t have too many in our area, wish there were more! But there is an amazing one in Hartebeespoort called V8 Roadhouse. My husband actually constructed the place and is in touch with owner. They have been doing record numbers the past few weeks, so they are prepared for the volumes now and have superb gourmet milkshakes. We’ve taken Mila out a few times to get some ice-cream and have a walk at the park across the road from the ice-cream place. Simple pleasures!

 5.     Have lunch or dinner on a terrace. We have managed to have lunch at a quiet restaurant in a gold-estate where my husband builds. It was unplanned, we went with him to check on a building site, took a walk and only sat down because the restaurant was empty. We were the only customers sitting on a large outside terrace area. Pre-Covid, the lack of patrons would’ve made me nervous. Now it felt like heaven. Look out for places near you that could do with the support, have outdoor areas and are practising strict Covid safety protocol.

 6.     Play virtual board games. I have clients who are playing online poker with friends using Zoom. They report that this is a great deal of fun and outlet for stress. If poker isn’t your thing, play other card games, backgammon or look for virtually adapted games. I found some virtual games options by doing a quick google search. If you have you children, you could do this once they go to sleep.

 7.     Have a movie night or afternoon. This could be in or outdoors if you have a big screen and some warm weather. In our house, afternoons are easier – if Mila doesn’t skip her nap that is – and all it takes is choosing a good movie on box office or Netflix, making some popcorn and getting out the chuckles (red are my favourite and my go-to ‘treat’ snack). The cinema was always my favourite way to relax and have fun, so we have had to simulate it at home. If you’ve watched any great movies lately, please share the name in the chat.

 8.     Go for a massage. I used to go once a month and haven’t been since February. My back and neck know all about that so I am considering heading off to a spa that practises strict safety protocol. I’m nervous though because the thought of going to do something recreational and possibly bringing Covid home to my high-risk family, is more than I can bare. I am in Bedfordview, if you know anywhere close to me that is being super safe – as in stripping and changing all bedding between clients and so on, please mention the name in the comments.

 9.     Invite friends for a themed virtual dinner party. I’ve seen people doing this as far back as April. This can include running competitions for the best dressed or decorated household. Some even follow a strict menu where everyone must commit to cooking the same meals in their respective homes. Honestly, that would be the quickest way for me to decline the invite… I have a busy two-year-old who is cutting her molars (yeah, no sleep happening in our house) so I would prefer a PJ party that involves bringing whatever snacks we have on hand to the party. If you don’t have small kids, maybe an elegant cheese and wine party is up your alley. Do whatever works for you.

 10.   Host a virtual book club or join an association. There is no reason to stop meeting with clubs and associations. Just connect virtually. This is an excellent way to hear about the latest and greatest books while catching up with friends. You’ll also be able to add some wine or G&T’s from the comfort of your home now that we are in level 2. This could take the form of a mastermind. I’m part of two masterminds and feel blessed that we come together once a month (using Zoom) to share some valuable business ideas and have some fun in the process. You might want to do this without the business talk and just choose someone to facilitate a light-hearted discussion. Why facilitated? I find that online discussion ‘flow’ much better when there is someone in charge of facilitating it. I personally find it fun to connect with like minds even if we are talking business but that’s up to you. This is something you have complete control over! Take charge of adding more fun to your life and keep taking Key Steps to…

‘be the difference that makes the difference.'

About Dr Sharon King Gabrielides

Sharon is a dynamic facilitator, speaker and executive coach with over 20 years’ experience in leadership and organisational development and transformation. She is a registered Education, Training and Development Practitioner (ETDP), holds an Honours degree in Psychology and practices as an NLP master practitioner. She is also one of only three women in South Africa to hold the title of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) – it’s the Oscar of the speaking business.

Sharon’s PhD thesis contributed a framework for holistic and sustainable leadership development that has been published by Rutgers University in the USA. She is faculty of Henley Business School and highly sought-after by leading corporates because she works hand-in-hand with them to create sustainable results and long-term success. Sharon has become known for her practical approach, useful tools and genuinely caring manner. She is really looking forward to working with you and taking Key Steps to ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’