It’s vital that we protect ourselves and the community by “staying at home”, but let’s be honest – no matter how much you love your apartment, it 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 plenty of resources to help you stay entertained, sane, and engaged! Below are a few of our favorite tips for perfecting the art of “staying at home”:
Expand your horizons. You may be stuck in your apartment, but there are so many ways to explore and learn about the world 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 may not be open, but you can maintain your fitness or start a healthy exercise program right in your apartment. Experts claim 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
Open your mind. This is an excellent 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 way to boost immunity and improve your outlook. If you are an inexperienced chef, let Gordon Ramsey lead you through the basics, or brush up on your knife skills with Jamie Oliver. More experienced chefs can try something new, like learning how to create complex pastries or discovering the nuances of Chinese cuisine.
Stay connected. Use your PC and smart devices to keep up with family and friends and avoid feelings of isolation. Find new friends and stay up-to-date with a variety of online resources: join a book club and talk about literature and new releases, or discuss over 70,000 music topics with fellow music lovers. Meditate with people worldwide, or share support from parents who know how hard it is to homeschool your children for the first time.
Make a plan for your escape. Look ahead to better times by planning a vacation to a place you’ve never visited! Visit potential colleges virtually with your high school student and take an online tour as you decide which universities you want to consider, or prepare for a Disney vacation on a virtual ride at several Disney locations worldwide.
Have fun. When it’s time to take 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!