Have A Picnic: Having Fun During Coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19) safe practices can feel isolating and lonely. But, there are still many ways to stay healthy, active, and keep our mental health (https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/04/tips-for-working-at-home-mental-health.html). One way to have fun is to have a picnic. Here are some tips.
1) The Perfect Location - Are you looking for a romantic spot or a place to bring the kids? Will it be crowded? Are there amenities and will they be open? What is the weather prediction? Some things to consider before packing up the car.
2) Other People Invited? - Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, utensils and no sharing. Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old. Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html). Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html). Limit attendance and check local health department for guidelines and restrictions. Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.
3) Kids - Make them feel included. Provide options and let them choose what they want to eat, where they'd like to go, and what activities they want to participate in. Engage them in preparing the meal and other events. It's a lot more fun if they have ownership in it's creation.
4) What To Pack - How will you get to the spot; near car or hiking? How difficult will it be to bring a cooler? Plan accordingly. And don't forget your large blanket, plates, cups, utensils, ice, corkscrew/bottle opener, serving spoon/knife, napkins, paper towels, garbage bags, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen if needed.
5) Food - It can be as simple or as complicated as you like. You can hike deep in the forest and have pre-made sandwiches. Or bring a grill and spend all day smoking meat to perfection. There are websites dedicated to every picnic recipe possibility. Personally, I like all the courses: drinks and appetizers, main course with sides, dessert, more drinks, and snacks for other activities.
6) DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! - Choose a theme. Hike through nature. Bring some games with prizes.
This is all about breaking routine. To feel good by ditching monotony. To engage with those we love and find new inspiration. Leave the boredom of electronic device at home and discover something exciting by exploring something new.
And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.
Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.
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