Staycations Amid Covid-19 And Social Distancing

Amid the cov i d - 19 pandemic and social distancing, people are uneasy about taking vacations; therefore, staycations are the next best thing, according to Linda Inmon, Extension associate-family and consumer sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Staycations allow you to stay home or take day trips to nearby destinations while relaxing and having fun doing what you want to do, Inmon said. Getting away from the stress of everyday life is necessary to help refocus on things that are important.

“Having a successful staycation means putting everything on hold until after your staycation is over,” she said. “This includes, but is not limited to, emails, unsolicited phone calls and chores. Staycations leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated while also saving a few dollars.”

Inmon offers the following staycation ideas: • Create a backyard getaway

where you can read a book or watch a movie while the children play in sand, dirt or water. A barbecue is also a good idea, grilling simple foods like hot dogs and burgers. It is OK in this instance

to use paper goods for eating. • Explore your surround

ings. Take walks around your neighborhood or other places of interest. If you prefer, take day trips. Load the car with a picnic lunch and go to the lake to watch the water and enjoy the fresh air. If it allows for social distancing, find a spot to eat lunch, otherwise eat lunch in the car. • Take a ride to a nearby

town to try a new restaurant. Call ahead so that your meal will be ready when you get there. Do not forget to tell them what time you expect to arrive. • Have a stay at home spa

day for the whole family and pamper yourself with facials, manicures and pedicures. Do not forget to involve the men. They too will enjoy being pampered. • If you enjoy experiencing

different foods, find a recipe you would like to try and turn it into a multi-course meal that includes beverages and dessert. Include the whole family in the meal preparation. Play music from that culture to set the atmosphere.

• Enjoy camping in the house

if you enjoy the wilderness experience. Use the microwave to make s’mores, tell scary stories with the lights off and sleep in sleeping bags. You can also watch the Discovery Channel.

“Do not allow covid-19 and social distancing to stop you from unwinding, unplugging and enjoying the moment,” Inmon said. “Time is one thing that you can never get back.”

DEBBIE ARCHER, EXTENSION ASSOCIATE-COMMUNICATIONS UAPB SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND HUMAN SCIENCES.