The COVID-19 pandemic has surely put a wrench in all of our plans for this year. As college students this time last year, we would be prepping for our first football game. Freshmen would still be on-campus enjoying their first few weeks of independence, and certainly, our attitudes about this semester would be much different. With everything going on, it has become so much more important to try and stay positive, see the light at the end of the tunnel, and persevere in these tough times. So many people are focusing on the negative things that they missed out on during quarantine. In light of all that has been going on recently, I would like to offer ten fun things that you can still do safely in Raleigh or at home during the pandemic to try and bring a bit more positive energy into our daily lives.
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Try something new! Over the summer, my mom, sister, and I all started doing what is called chakti yoga over Zoom together. It combines typical yoga positions with dancing and pop music that is a great workout and a good way to bond with your friends and family.
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Join a club! This semester, I decided to join Her Campus. I love writing and figured this club would be a great way to incorporate my love of writing into something cool!
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Go see a drive-in movie with a significant other, friend, or family member! Go to http://www.raleighroaddrivein.com/ to check out some cool movies they’re offering this month!
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Go for a walk/hike somewhere new! There are so many great trails and parks in the Raleigh area. If you’re looking for somewhere close, check out the 33 mile Neuse River trail in East Raleigh. If you’re looking to drive a bit, check out the Eno River State Park outside of Durham!
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Go thrifting! There are some great thrift stores in the Raleigh area. Just make sure you bring your mask and hand sanitizer! Thrifting is great for the environment and sometimes you find something super unique! Check out Cause for Paws, Thrift2Gift, Pass it on, and Uptown Cheapskate all in the Raleigh area.
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Paint! Wine and Design Raleigh is offering both in-person classes with masks and virtual painting lessons with all the supplies included! Check out their website https://www.wineanddesign.com/raleigh-nc/ to book a lesson! They also offer curbside pickup for their at-home painting kits.
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Exercise! Gyms are finally starting to reopen, but masks are required. NC State has also started opening indoor fitness spaces in Carmichael that can be reserved through the Wellness and Recreation App. There are also places offering outdoor fitness classes, such as Fit RDU. Go to https://www.fitrdu.club/ to book an available class.
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Try new foods and recipes! My roommates and I decided to start a food instagram to document all of the new recipes we try this year. Check out https://www.eatthis.com/new-recipes-new-year/ for 50 new healthy recipes to try in 2020!
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Do a virtual escape room with your friends and family! Go to https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a32389258/virtual-escape-room/ for 7 virtual escape rooms to try this year.
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Netflix Party! Go to https://www.netflixparty.com/ to download the chrome extension and watch all your favorite shows and movies with your friends!