Even without the doom and gloom in the world, we spoonies understand what it is like already to live our lives with many restrictions placed upon us. We already live socially distant lives with minimal interaction and reduced plans. We also already know what it is like not to be able to do the things we want to!

BUT it is summer and the sun is out (well for the most parts), and as a chronic illness warrior who suffers immensely in the autumn/winter months I know how much the warmer weather is vital to my health. We may not be able to do much, but here are my top summer activities that you can do mainly at home even in times of poor health.

1 – Get on some summer tunes

Music is always a great mood lifter anytime of the year, but there is something about blasting out your favourite tunes when the sun is out that makes it that more joyous. Depending on energy levels you could do something as simple as put on your headphones whilst having a lie down to getting on YouTube and searching for particular numbers. If you are particularly lucky you may have the energy to have a little dance, although lets face it it’s probably more likely to be a little foot tap or head nod than a full scale routine!

2 – Read a good book

Reading is a great way source of escapism and an easy hobby to have. You can choose any genre that appeals to you whether that be romance, thriller, fantasy, mystery or historical to name a few. You could even read a collection of poetry – anything as long as it takes your fancy. The great thing about reading is you are able to do it anywhere – even from your bed. My personal favourite are any books by Jenny Colgan which always transports me to another location far from my ordinary life. For people who find reading too tiring or maybe finds looking at the paper makes them dizzy then take the hassle away by listening to an audio book which reads the story to you.

3 – Have a picnic

There is never a better time than the summer to have what I would call hand to mouth food. Food which essentially you can eat straight out the pack. Chronic illness makes food preparation hard for various reasons, but a picnic takes away all that hassle as all you need to do is open and eat. Better still you don’t even need to leave the house to do it you can simply set one up in your living room (and that way you don’t have to worry about trying to get down onto some hard ground – you can sit in a comfy chair). Sausage roll anyone?

4 – Revel in the glorious colours

I am extremely colour motivated and I love the stereotypical colours of summer that are bright and vibrant such as oranges and yellows. You can reflect this in the clothes you wear and the food you eat. You can even look outside your window and see nature in its full glory ready to make you smile.

5 – Soak up the vitamin D

I am sure as someone with chronic illness you have heard of vitamin D. We need vitamin D for healthy bones and other factors connected to our health. Although we can get vitamin D from our food we can also get it from sunlight. Therefore the summer months are the best time to get outside to get your dose. Obviously some spoonies find the hotter months affect their symptoms more so it is all about balance – do what is right for you and your body. However getting outside for a short walk is a great summer activity even if it is only every few days down the road and back. It all helps in your quest to feel the summer warmth and to clear your mind.

So there we have it my top tips for low energy activities to enjoy this summer. How will you enjoy yours?