It’s important to protect ourselves and the community by “staying at home”, but let’s face it – even the most comfortable apartment can get a little boring after a while. You can still explore the world and stay connected (without the use of social media) thanks to your computer or smart device. There are lots of resources to help you stay entertained, sane, and engaged! Below are a few of our favorite ways to take advantage of “staying at home”:
Open your mind. This is a stellar opportunity to learn a new skill or discover a new hobby. You and your family can learn a new language with online resources like Rosetta Stone or Babbel. You can also take classes on everything from woodworking to music – get started with SkillShare.
Explore your kitchen. A healthy diet is an effective component of boosting immunity and improving your outlook. If you are new to cooking at home, let Gordon Ramsey lead you through the basics, or brush up on your knife skills with Jamie Oliver. If you are an experienced cook, try something new, like learning how to create complex pastries or discovering the nuances of Chinese cuisine.
Expand your horizons. You may be stuck in your apartment, but there are still plenty of ways to explore the world and learn new things online. Learn more about your family history with Ancestry.com. Go on a virtual safari via webcam, or visit a museum or national park on your smart TV. You can experience many amazing destinations right from your sofa including:
- Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
- National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
- The British Museum
- The Natural History Museum
- The Van Gogh Museum
- The Louvre
- The National Gallery of Art
- Yellowstone
- Colonial Williamsburg
Workout at home. Your community gym is probably closed, but you can stay in shape or begin a healthy exercise program right in your apartment. Experts state that active lifestyles boost immunity and reduce anxiety. Go for a walk or a run, or try one of these online workouts:
Low Impact Workout for Beginners
High-Intensity Interval Training
Barre Body Sculpting Workout
Make a plan for your escape. Stay optimistic and look ahead to better times by planning a vacation to a place you’ve never been to! Peruse potential colleges with your high school student and take a virtual tour as you narrow down which universities you want to visit, or prepare for a Disney vacation and take a virtual ride on a Disney ride at several Disney locations worldwide.
Stay connected. Use your PC and smart devices to stay in touch with family and friends and prevent isolation. Meet new friends and stay current with a variety of online resources. Join a book club to find friends who read and will talk about current releases with you, or discuss over 70,000 music topics with fellow music lovers. Meditate with people worldwide, or get support from other parents who know how hard it is to homeschool your children for the first time.
Have fun. When you need a break from your devices and computer, try these great crafts and activities and take some time to enjoy the people you live with every day in a new, fun way.
While COVID-19 may present challenges to our families and communities, we also have the chance to take advantage of unique opportunities: to learn new things, to reach out to our loved ones, and to look beyond our daily routine for a new perspective. Stay safe, stay connected – we can not only survive, but we can also improve!