The best way to protect ourselves and the community is to “stay at home”, but we all have to admit – no matter how much you love your apartment, it can get a little boring after a while. Rather than bingeing on social media, you can use the internet to stay connected and explore the world on 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 ideas to make “staying at home” beneficial to you and your family:
Explore your kitchen. A healthy diet is a key factor in boosting immunity and improving your attitude. If you are just learning how to cook at home, let Gordon Ramsey lead you through the basics, or improve your knife skills with Jamie Oliver. Experienced home chefs might want to try something new, like learning how to create complex pastries or discovering the nuances of Chinese cuisine.
Workout at home. Your community gym may not be open, but you can stay in shape or begin a healthy exercise program right in your apartment. Experts say that active lifestyles boost immunity and help to eliminate 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
Stay connected. Use your PC and smart devices to stay in touch with family and friends and avoid feelings of isolation. You can also meet new friends and get involved with your community through a variety of online resources. Join a book club and discuss classic literature and new releases, or talk about over 70,000 music topics with fellow music lovers. Meditate with others around the world, or get support from parents who know how hard it is to homeschool your kids.
Open your mind. Staying at home provides a perfect opportunity to learn a new skill or try 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 cake decorating to music – get started with SkillShare.
Expand your horizons. While you’re stuck at home, your computer and smart devices can allow you to explore and learn about the world online. Learn more about your family history with Ancestry.com. Go on a virtual safari via web cam, or visit a museum or national park on your smart TV. You can experience many fascinating 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
Make a plan for your escape. Plan for the future and the conclusion of “stay at home” by planning a vacation to a place you’ve never been! Search potential colleges with your high school student and take a virtual tour of potential universities to attend, 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, give these great crafts and activities a try 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!