9 Retro Activities to Provide Comfort During Pandemic
August used to be too easy. The goal was to make it through that stressful spring, have some kind of summer, then head back to university in the fall. But the continued spread of COVID-19 changed everything. You got the feel of remote learning (during the spring), not wanting to get out. You're not only scared of germy (public) places, but you also don't fancy the outdoors. (Is it you or does your front yard feel like a furnace in the summer.) You are addicted to YouTube and Netflix or you're one of those teenagers who has a short-attention-span and high expectations. Summer is far from over, but your parents have a great suggestion. Retro activities. You read it right.
You don't understand the renewed interest in old-activities that your parents reminisce now and then, the pop culture that influences the TV shows and movies (of the new millennium), and the simple things that you enjoy during your childhood. You still recall the old normal, munching chips (or popcorn) while looking at streams of your favorite Netflix shows. The pandemic forced your parents to work from home. You gather in the dining room every night, which feels good. You don't recall the last time it happened, but you remembered the grin on your parents' faces while reminiscing board games and the bee with bulging yellow eyes. (It's a gynandromorph, an organism that possesses both female and male traits. Your old man would be only one who knew it.) Memories are a lot tougher than you might think. Just like the heart that holds them. (You still remember Yoko Ogawa's "The Memory Police"!) It means retro activities are worth doing during the remainder of the summer. You get to know your parents more while they get the chance to relive their youth. Moreover, you may be burned out from YouTube and Netflix, but you're unaware of the tell-tale signs. You benefited from the season's loose schedule, your energy recharged, but there was something missing. If you run out of ideas, go old school. It would be a novelty during this distressing time.
Disconnect from Digital Devices and Get into Old-School Playtime
Greek-ing out. You're the mythology nerd in the family, insisting that Neil Gaiman's interpretation of the Norse mythology is better than Rick Riordan's Magnus Chase series. Your parents still recommend Edith Hamilton's heroic depiction of the demigods in her collection of short stories on Greek mythology, but you're having second thoughts about reading it. (You like Uma Thurman playing Medusa.) Find out why Hamilton's book is still the best material in Ancient Greece, which includes selected tales from other myths from other parts of the world. It should transport you to another world in the shortest time.
Retro board games. Monopoly? Yes. There are many variations of this popular board game, such that you can ask your friends about it. There's a slight chance that you can meet up and play it, as long as you figure the rules on social distancing. (And you must wear a face mask.) You can try Pictionary, which you haven't outgrown after playing too many games (on the Internet). Your folks might have Jumanji in the attic. It could be better than watching the big-screen version (starring Dwayne Johnson).
Jigsaw puzzles. It may be a child's play, but the aim of this post is to help you relish the simple, if not uneventful, routine in the household. This is what Saturday and Sunday are all about, but you lost track of the days during these past months. Solving the puzzle should bring back some childhood memories. A feel-good moment, which you need more right now.
Science experiment. Fill a plastic bag with water, put it in your sibling's head (or your father's), and then sharpen your pencil. Your sibling (or your father) may not like the sight of the bag popping out (and getting wet), but it won't be the outcome. There's no mystery behind it after reading an article discussing the reaction between these two materials. If you could recall the other experiments that startled you at first.
Roller skating. If you don't fancy doing it, you can accompany your sibling (or mother). It's the best thing to do in the park, as long as it's not quite crowded. Seeing your family having a good time would make you feel good. It's a good substitute for your face-to-face meeting with your (college) friends, which you've been yearning for some time.
Rubik's cube. It shouldn't remind you of "Hellraiser", which was a cause of sleepless nights for your father. You've seen some clips, which kept you on the edge of the seat. It also made you curious about Rubik's cube. Playing it can be exhausting, so study it first. Ask your buddies, who might ask their folks about it. You can organize a friendly competition, which is safer (and more convenient) than a board game.
Dominoes. Your coursemate may be a huge fan of Jessie J. (after hearing "Domino"), but you're not in a mood for pop music. You want to video a long line of falling dominoes, edit it in slow motion, and post it in social media. You might be expecting a hundred likes or more (on Instagram), which is not too much to hope for. If you're a film enthusiast, this activity could teach you a thing or two on editing. Martin Scorsese might notice your video (if you do it well).
Relay races in the backyard. You might be too slow, if not fumble, but who cares. You may not recall the last time when you have lots of fun with your family. The backyard is home to tens of insects, many of whom are nearly invisible to the naked eye. You might have to bring along a telescope or magnifying glass.
Watching your parents' favorite movies. Richard Donner's "Superman" has an impressive cast that includes Marlon Brando, Glen Ford, and Terrence Stamp. The recreation of the planet Krypton (and its imminent destruction) is nothing like you've seen (or what your father would tell you countless times). And your mother watched "Born Free" many times. (She marveled at how an English couple managed to raise Elsa, a lioness, like a pet dog.) It might be far from the catchy visuals that recent movies (and TV shows) offer to younger viewers, but watching these old films may turn out to be better than a baseball game in an almost-deserted (baseball) stadium.
How Do You Do?
Retro activities test your resourcefulness, a skill that successful adults have in common. It also evokes nostalgia, and there's nothing wrong about being nostalgic lately. If you're doing it out of a little desperation, then don't be ashamed to tell it to your friends (during a Zoom gathering). You might get an eye roll, but you have fun with your family, It's all that matters.
