National Picnic Month

National Picnic Month 

What is National Picnic Month?

If you enjoy getting out of the house and eating outdoors then July is the month for you, as this is National Picnic Month!  Picnics are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the summer sun; and are also a brilliant way to take some Instagram-worthy photos!

Where did National Picnic Month originate from?

The American Bakers' Association founded National Picnic Month in 1952. Picnic was originally a 17th century French word, picque-nique. Its meaning was similar to today's meaning: a social gathering where each person brings a share of the food. The French piquer may have referred to a leisurely style of eating "pick at your food" or it may more simply have meant, "pick".

How to have a picnic at home:

When the lockdown was in full swing, it was hard to go to the supermarket, let alone have a leisurely stroll in the park for more than thirty minutes. While social distancing laws have eased, many still are uncomfortable with public events due to being vulnerable or knowing someone vulnerable to contracting coronavirus.

Here’s how to have the perfect picnic at home:

1. If you have a garden, lay out a picnic blanket! Otherwise, a blanket indoors will do just as nicely.

2. Make or buy some classic picnic food! Such as sausage rolls, sandwiches, cake- or if you prefer, a collection of your favourite snacks

3. Some summer music; playlists made are useful.

4. If you can, invite some friends over for a social distance picnic!

Tablescaping; How to make perfect photos for Instagram:

Social media usage has increased tenfold since the COVID-19 outbreak; if you’re new to Instagram and want to increase your follower count, you need to be creative. Tablescaping has increased in popularity; people want to feel as though they are out at a lovely restaurant so they create a beautiful centrepiece for them and their guests to enjoy. This would include:

 A brightly coloured/patterned tablecloth with matching napkins

 Charger plates

 Candles

 Beautiful cutlery

 Glassware

 Hand-picked English country flowers 

Has popularity of outside activities decreased since the pandemic?

Outside activities have increased since the pandemic; with many people furloughed, we have been forced to find ways to keep ourselves busy. With the nice weather that we’ve been fortunate to have, people have been undertaking bike rides, country walks, and team sports such as football, rounders and cricket. Many are also meeting up for social distance picnics.

How important is social interaction?

Social interaction is essential for maintaining your mental health. Quarantine had its toll on many of those already suffering with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Stress during this time can sometimes cause the following:

 Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your job, or loss of support you rely on.

 Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

 Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

 Worsening of chronic health problems.

 Worsening of mental health conditions.

 Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other

substances.

There are a number of ways to get help if you’re suffering with mental health issues; speaking to supportive family members/friends, or contacting call centres such as Samaritans.