If you're a summer person, then you've likely been looking forward to the season all year long. Summer is for cookouts and pool days! It's for vacation, camping, and, most importantly, spending time with friends and family. Because if there's one thing we love about the warmer months, it's feeling a bit more sociable than we do the rest of the year.
However, this year summer is looking a little bit different from every summer before because the way that we're used to socializing has had to change. While we hoped things would be back to normal by now, we still can't do all of the activities we want to do, even though some of us have been dreaming about summer since the first hint of warmth hit the air. To be totally frank, not being able to be a social butterfly during these months is tough. We need to get out and about for so many reasons this time of year — mainly because our mental health demands some level of socialization.
Thinking about missing out on all of our beloved summer activities until 2021 tastes like a glass of ice-cold lemonade sans sugar — bitter and not all that refreshing. However, all is not lost. There are still ways to get out and about, and there are ways to do so safely. No, this summer might not be as easy-breezy as we'd like, but with a little effort, we can still do our fair share of socializing.
Here are a few tips for how to responsibly socialize in the summer of 2020:
Keep Wearing Your Mask
One of the most important things you can do this summer is to continue wearing a mask. Remember, your mask isn't just keeping you safe — it's helping keep the most vulnerable populations safe, too. More and more people are beginning to venture out of their homes. But that doesn't mean there is no longer any risk. Now more than ever we need to stay diligent because the more people leave their homes, the more potential there is to spread illness.
Have Distance Hangouts
Just because we can't have concerts and graduation parties doesn't mean we can't socialize at all. Distance hangouts are becoming popular, and honestly, they're still a pretty good way to feel social. We can chat on Zoom or FaceTime with friends and family, and we can also hang out in person while keeping a safe distance. That could look like having a few guests over to your backyard and placing chairs at least 6 feet apart.
Avoid Large Gatherings
It's still not advisable to have large get-togethers, and it may not be for a while longer. For those of us who really thrive on being in big groups, it's definitely not what we wanted to hear once summer was upon us. Keeping to small groups is the best way to approach summer 2020. But truthfully, there's a lot of fun to be had in small groups, too.
Keep to the Outdoors
The good news about having to change the way we socialize this summer is that at least it's the best time of year to be outside. Experts say socializing outdoors is safer than being in enclosed spaces. So if you plan on having any kind of social gathering, definitely do it outside!
Wash Your Hands
It can be easy to let your guard down, especially after we've all been trying our best to keep one another safe for months. But even though we're no longer in the middle of cold and flu season, we have to remember that this year isn't like any other. We have to make sure to keep washing our hands frequently, especially if we're interacting with others.
Choose Your Risks Wisely
Most of us who aren't super vulnerable to illness or in a high-risk category are planning to take some calculated risks this summer. That's going to look different for everyone, depending on so many things and individual comfort levels. Still, you'll want to choose which risks you're taking wisely. For example, if your kids seeing their besties is a big priority, or if you haven't seen a beloved friend of your own in months, you'll have to choose the most important things you're planning to do. You definitely don't want to do too much too soon, though. So stay diligent and choose wisely.
Stay Up to Date on New Information
One thing that's been tough about knowing how to stay safe right now is that the information is always changing. One week we're all being told not to go to the grocery store, and the next it's OK to head out for essentials. The next thing you know, some restaurants are opening, and experts say you can get your haircut. While there are varying opinions about what exactly is safe, listening to public health experts and keeping up to date on the new information is your best bet to understanding your real risks this summer.
Let Go of What You Imagined Summer 2020 Looking Like
It's so hard to let go of the ideas and plans we had for the summer. But the fact is, keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe this year demands that we let go of plans we were so looking forward to. In order to be truly responsible this year, we have to let go of what we imagined doing this summer.
That means we can …
Embrace It for What It Will Become
Just because summer 2020 doesn't look like what we imagined, that doesn't mean it can't be great in its own way. So many people have found that slowing down and even canceling plans in some cases has created more space in their lives. Perhaps you'll make different plans this summer. Maybe you'll take up a new hobby, or get active in a way you weren't before like practicing a solo sport or activity. But once you let go of the plans you had, you can start to get excited about your new ones.
Summer 2020 is upon us, and it might not look like what we had hoped. Either way, we can still have a great time during the most social months of the year.
