It’s crucial that we protect ourselves and the community by “staying at home”, but let’s face it – no matter how much you love your apartment, it can get a little stale 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 mastering the art of “staying at home”:
Workout at home. Your community gym may not be open, but you can stay fit or start a healthy exercise program right in your apartment. Experts tell us 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 time 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.
Expand your horizons. You may be stuck at home, but there are plenty of 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 world-class 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
Explore your kitchen. A healthy diet is a great way to boost immunity and improve your outlook. If you are an inexperienced cook, let Gordon Ramsey lead you through the basics, or improve your knife skills with Jamie Oliver. Practiced chefs can try something new, like learning how to create complex pastries or discovering the nuances of Chinese cuisine.
Make a plan for your escape. Look ahead to the end of “stay at home” by planning a vacation to a place you’ve never been to! Visit potential colleges online with your high school student and take a virtual tour as you decide which universities to consider, or prepare for a Disney vacation on a virtual ride at several Disney locations worldwide.
Stay connected. Use your PC and smart devices to talk regularly with family and friends and avoid feelings of isolation. Find new friends and stay engaged with your community through a variety of online resources. Join a book club and talk about classic literature and new releases, or discuss over 70,000 music topics with fellow music lovers. Meditate with people worldwide, or find support from parents who know how hard it is to homeschool your children.
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!