Happy birthday to me! 🙂 My husband and I celebrated my 31st birthday last week with a shopping trip, swimming at the beach, and an outdoor dinner, all with masks on and social distancing. It was different than any birthday I’ve ever had, but it was an awesome day and I’m so grateful that I was able to celebrate safely while still doing things that I enjoy.
Celebrating our birthdays during such a crazy and stressful time can be a huge bummer. It’s hard to get excited when no plan seems to be concrete. Not to mention a lot of us are worried about our jobs and managing our families, as well as simply staying healthy and not getting sick. I can completely understand someone not being in the mood to blow out candles and pamper themselves when there are SO MANY scary things happening around us.
However, I hope all of us can find our own ways to celebrate that feel appropriate during this “new norm”. If your birthday is coming up, read on for some tips that might resonate with you. Happy (early) Birthday!!
- Love to Shop? There are so many ways to treat yourself with a new birthday present! If you prefer shopping in person, all you have to do is wear a mask and keep your distance. If you don’t feel safe being around others, some small boutiques in my area are taking appointments to enter the store (meaning you can shop around like you own the place)! Check out if this is available where you are. Another option is to browse online. Many stores are doing in-store pickup if you purchase online, so you can wear your new birthday outfit the same day!
- Love the Water? Me too! There are so many ways to enjoy the water right now. If you have some extra cash, you could rent a boat or jet ski for a few hours at a lake, river, or beach near you. Even kayaking is ton of fun and the prices are usually budget-friendly! Also, you can check out a beach as well (scout out how busy it is first!) If you don’t live near a beach, see if you can spend the day at a friend’s pool or hot tub or search on Swimply (known as the AirBnb of pools)!
- Love to Eat or Cook? Who doesn’t love to eat?! On the other hand, I know a lot of people who don’t like to cook (umm…that’s me). If trying new restaurants is your jam, try a new place that has an outdoor space with distanced tables. Or, you can order take out from multiple places on your bucket list and have a birthday feast! If cooking is your favorite, round up all of your favorite recipes, or have a cooking competition with your family or friends on Zoom!
- Love to chat and be social? Everyone loves to talk to their friends and family, but we all know extroverts who need all of the love on their birthday! Set up a Zoom call, or have friends send videos wishing their loved one a happy day 🙂
- Love the outdoors? Thankfully, a lot of outdoor activities are still in the clear right now since it’s easy to separate from others. Plan a picnic in the park, go on a hike, go camping, take a LONG walk or bike ride in your area, go fishing, play sports with your family. Any others you can think of?
- Love to Explore? Me too! This is a great time to hop in the car and check out an area you’ve never been to! My favorite day trips are to nearby flower farms, small towns, and antique stores!
- Love to Relax? DUH. The way to do this depends on your interests, but here are some off the top of my head: sleep in, watch TV, play video games, take a bubble bath, put on a face mask, give yourself a manicure and pedicure, listen to records, etc.
If you were struggling to come up with an idea of what you wanted to do on your birthday, I hope this helped! At the very least, give yourself a pat on the back that you’re a year older and wiser and you’re surviving a stressful time and making the best of it!
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