The omnipresent conversations about physical health, social distancing, and immunity have not muted students’ inherent desire for social engagement and connection with friends. Rather, the lack of human connection has amplified its importance in the daily lives of students and adults alike. This reality, however, poses a challenge for those walking the ever-shrinking tightrope above a ravine with physical health on one side and social health on the other.
Thankfully, warmer weather widens this tightrope, providing new, safe outlets to recreate with friends while maintaining COVID-19 health precautions and a safe distance. These include an outdoor, socially distanced picnic. Invite friends to a park, lay down a seasonally appropriate blanket, and adorn it with local food, homemade treats, and quenching beverages. The Rose Garden near Lake Harriet provides a scenic picnic setting. And, the upper level of the Pinstripes’ Edina parking lot (3849 Gallagher Dr, Edina, MN 55435) has a picturesque view of the sunset during the summer months.
Athletically, since the rise of COVID-19, golf courses have seen record amounts of players participating in the sport. Pictured, the Blake Girls’ Golf team practices regularly at Parkers Lake Driving Range (1050 Vicksburg Ln N, Plymouth, MN 55447). Near the Blake Middle School, Meadowbrook Golf Course (201 Meadowbrook Rd, Hopkins, MN 55343) is a nice option, along with Braemar Golf Course (6364 John Harris Dr, Edina, MN 55439) which offers both a driving range and course.
Additionally, artistic creativity can be fostered outdoors and can be equal parts socially distanced and social. Tie-dying shirts, sweatpants, and sweatshirts are a perfect way to spend time outside and create a new outfit.
Another creative outlet is curating mood boards with used magazines. Before recycling your read magazines, identify images, fonts, or quotes that resonate with you and cut them out. Paste these images onto a canvas and use modge podge to glue them in place.
