Why You Need A Post-Lockdown Bucket List

As we circle back to the point of Lockdown where we get let off the leash a little, it’s time to dwell on what’s next. I know I’m not alone in dreaming of a day without COVID, Lockdown, and face masks. But something gives me the impression that that day won’t come for a little while longer. In the meantime, I think it’s time we plan.

Just like last March, when we sat down and planned everything we’d like to achieve during quarantine. I think It’s time we plan what we’re going to do after lockdown is finally over. Where are we going to go? Who are we going to see? There’s a very long list of things I took for granted before lockdown and I now see them as absolute luxuries. Like sitting in a coffee shop without a facemark, crowded nightclubs, and even the bloody gym (I never thought I'd say that).

I remember when the words “COVID” and “Lockdown” were swiftly followed by the phrase “Our New Normal” in the press. It was kind of hard to believe, I felt like we were slowly slipping into the world of George Orwell or War of the Worlds. Surely, this would just be over in a few weeks? Well it wasn’t. Nearly a year later and we are still here, still looking forward to that off takeout coffee on a park bench or the weekly trip to Tesco. I’m a little concerned that when this is all over we’ll prefer to stay isolated in our homes, becoming socially awkward creatures who’d prefer to play animal crossing instead of communicate. I definitely know a few people who have already become that, too nervous to leave the house even when the law permits, it’s almost like the friend I know has dissolved into something rather bitter.

Planning a world without COVID feels like a safety blanket right now. We may be getting let of the leash in the UK, but will this be our last lockdown? I don’t particularly want to think about that. I want to think about nights out, making friends, and going to theme parks. I want to think about staying in a pub after 10pm and getting a greasy takeaway at 3am.

If you want to try take yourself away from lockdown for a little while. I recommend picking up a pen and paper and planning everything you want to do, it may be big or small.

Here’s a few of mine for inspiration:

Get a haircut

First things first, it’s time to sort out the hair. If you’re risky enough to have let your lockdown buddies give you a trim, then I salute you (that’s a lot of trust). So, as soon as the hairdressers and barbers open it’s worth booking a cut and blow ASAP.

Meet your mates

This may be an obvious one, but a good catch up with best mates is long overdue (Zoom just doesn’t seem to cut it). Booking in some time with your pals, especially those who live far away, is pretty high up on the bucket list and one of the first things you should do after lockdown.

Visit a beer garden

I’m sure you’re DYING for the pubs to open (who isn’t?!). But the only thing I’m missing more is visiting a good old beer garden. With the summer weather out in full force, and a catch up with mates definitely on the cards, day drinking in a local beer garden is surely on the to-do list.

Go to a festival

Festival season isn’t looking promising this year, but I’m sure you’re craving a good old drunken sing-along. If anything, the wait will make it ten times better, so keep an eye on IG for those line-up announcements (even if we do have to wait another year...).

Shop at your local indie shops

Visiting your fave independent shops, bars and restaurants hasn’t been possible throughout lockdown, so it’s definitely something to look forward to after quarantine ends. There’s something satisfying about spending the day browsing your faves (especially if there’s good food involved). Plus, it’s great for the local economy, so you'll feel good about spending some dough.

Have a day trip

There’s probably nothing better than a day trip. Visiting a different city, a tourist town or even a popular seaside spot is the best way to spend time with your mates. From checking out brand new restaurants to drinking in the most popular pub around, day trips are an all-round great day out (and they’re deffo worth putting on your post-lockdown bucket list). Yes I think Brighton Pier is a good place to start!

Visit a theme park

From Alton Towers to Thorpe Park, theme parks are ALWAYS worth a visit. They might not be something that springs to mind when you’re thinking about life after quarantine, but I reckon they’re deffo worth doing and are one of thrill-busting things you need to do after lockdown. Is there really anything better than the sheer thrill of a good rollercoaster? 🎢

Book a holiday

There’s a chance you’ve had some holidays cancelled during lockdown (seriously, nothing sucks more?!). Jetting on your hols might be what you were most looking forward to this year, so it’s worth making the most of money you’ve saved while indoors. Hell, why not start looking now?