how to make the most of fall in quarantine

One of my favourite times of the year, by far, is the beginning of Autumn. The summer sun still lingers throughout most of the day, and the air slowly becomes crisp. I love the street style and the layered looks we’re able to create as we bring out our scarves, long coats, knitwear, and hats. Suddenly, I begin to crave hot chocolate everyday, and the thought of apple crisp instantly puts me in the happiest mood. Fall is also a time when I start to look back on the year that has passed. As Thanksgiving approaches, I feel an extra sense of gratitude for the people in my life and all of the blessings I’ve received, and also a craving for stuffing. There’s also a feeling of a fresh start, as a new school year begins.

As a university student, I personally love the feeling of going back to school, but sadly, the beginning of the semester looks a lot different this year. Instead of strolling through my campus with textbooks in one hand, and a Tim Horton’s drink in the other, I now find myself frantically logging into my Zoom account in the morning, still groggy from my sleep the night before. Instead of running into friends before and after class, we’re now exchanging hourly texts and snapchats. Online school has presented new challenges, but it has also provided me with a new way of looking at things. Slowly but surely, we’re all learning to adapt to this new reality and find creative ways to stay sane and enjoy each season.

Regardless of whether you’re a student or not, adjusting to this new way of living has been surreal. Fall is a season where I would typically plan lots of fun activities with friends and family, unbounded by strict laws, however, this year we have to improvise. There are still many ways we can embrace this season and make it enjoyable, despite the countless restrictions on travel and gatherings. Here are a few fun and quarantine-friendly ways to make the most of this season.

Embrace the outdoors

In the fall, I make sure to enjoy the weather and spend time outside. Canadian fall temperatures, caught at the right time, are perfect. Fall in Canada never lasts long, but when it arrives, it’s not too hot and not too cold. Take advantage of these sunny, cool days, and go on a hike with friends or family, take walks or go for a run around your neighbourhood, explore your town, and make the most of each day.

Discover new parks to take walks in

Regardless of the season, I love parks. I get so excited to spend time at a park I’ve never been to before and this season, I visited Queen’s Park in Toronto. It’s very big and really peaceful. Everyone was just minding their own business, either skateboarding, walking, jogging, reading, doing yoga, or sleeping in the grass.

Outdoor adventures with friends (and bring masks!)

Although I haven’t been able to see my best friends much this season, I’ve enjoyed meeting up once in a while to take walks and explore new parts of the town. If you are missing your friends, you live a reasonable distance from one another, and need some fresh air, plan a responsible outdoor-date and make sure you have your masks handy. We may not be able get together in the ways we could before, but at least we have the great outdoors and a few shops still offering take-out!

Go to a pumpkin patch

Go apple or pumpkin picking

Retail therapy

Need I say more?

Find picturesque areas and have a photoshoot

Put on a nice outfit and have a photoshoot with a friend or family member! We’re not letting our whole wardrobe collect dust this season!

Wear your favourite fall pieces

Temperatures are falling, which means it’s time to layer up. I’ve officially brought out my favourite corduroy jackets, cozy scarves, and boots. What are your favourite fall pieces?

Pretend you’re at a café

Going to cafés is one of my favourite things to do during fall. I love the smell of coffee and the sound of jazz playing in the background. Cafés are also a saving grace for people who need a quiet space to work or relax in. Sadly, indoor dining is prohibited for a while. Until indoor dining opens up again, you can recreate the environment in your own space and create the ambience of a café. Tidy up, make yourself a hot drink, and play some soothing music. Make your own playlist or find one that someone else has made. Add a bit of jazz, classical, rnb, soul, and hopefully you’ll feel relaxed.

I’ll link a few of my favourite playlists below:

Try new recipes (savory and sweet)

I find that fall is when all of the delicious treats come out. I love to add a touch of cinnamon to the baked goodies I make because smelling it immediately reminds me of the season. Banana bread, apple crispy, and Pillsbury’s sugar cookies are just a few of the many desserts I enjoy!

‘Tis also the season for hearty meals. This season I’ve enjoyed making Swedish meatballs for my family and we all love them. It feels like we’re eating Thanksgiving dinner each time. Mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, and green beans make a perfect side dish.

Take a road trip

I love long drives in general, but especially through the countryside. In the autumn, these drives are so scenic. There is a lot of nature where I live, so I love to take drives in the fall and admire all of the beautiful colours.

Spend an afternoon by the water

Water has such a calming effect on me as I’m sure it does on many other people. Before it gets too cold, I like to go watch the water and just relax.

Read a good book

I feel like reading an inspirational book or listening to a good podcast is the solution to many things. This season, I am reading Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the legendary creator of Nike.

Take photos!!

Everything looks so beautiful in the fall—the fashion, the pumpkins, the leaves changing colours, all of it. However you decide to spend the season, remember to capture all of the amazing memories you make with yourself and loved ones.

Recap

Embrace the outdoors
Discover new parks to take walks in
Outdoor adventures with friends (and bring masks!)
Go to a pumpkin patch
Go apple or pumpkin picking
Retail therapy
Have a photoshoot in cool parts of your town
Wear your favourite fashion pieces
Pretend you’re at a café
Try new recipes (savory and sweet)
Take a road trip
Spend an afternoon by the water
Read a good book
Take photos

Regardless of whatever season you’re in as you read this post, I hope you found these tips helpful. Many of these tips will add a bit of fun to your day, whether it is winter, spring or summer. Comment below what your favourite thing about fall is, I’d love to know!

Xo, Kundi