Fun things to do while social distancing
As COVID-19 social distancing and self quarantining continue, some of us may be going stir crazy not able to go and do the things we’re used to.
Now is the time to relax, but when you’ve been cooped up for weeks, and still can’t hit the malls or movie theaters, how can you spend your time?
Plan for take out
Don’t let the coronavirus lock down stop you from having a holiday dinner. You can order in from restaurants all over your area.
Get organized, deep clean
It’s time for Spring Cleaning and why not do it when you have the time to purge.
Read a rare book
What is a bibliophile to do when their sanctuary, known as a library to most non-book aficionados, is closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
It’s the Internet Archive to the rescue. The group has created what it calls a National Emergency Library, removing any waitlist on more than 1.4 million books until June 30, or the end of the national pandemic.
Pick up a new instrument
Fender announced three free months of lessons on Fender Play, People magazine reported.
The company will teach you how to play acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass or ukulele. All you have to do is sign up and find an instrument.
At the same time, Gibson is teaming with Amped Guitars to offer free months of online guitar lessons, NME reported.
Those companies are using the Amped Guitar Learning app that is currently only available on the Apple App store to learn how to play.
Make masks
All you need is some fabric, elastic and time. Click here for different designs.
Connect with friends virtually
We use virtual meeting apps for work all the time, but why not use platforms like Zoom and Skype to hold a virtual party or a virtual happy hour?
Learn to draw
Mo Willems, the author of the Pigeon and Elephant and Piggy children’s books hosts a daily lunch doodle. While you may not be able to take the time at 1 p.m. every weekday, catch up on the weekends. The classes are all on YouTube.
Disney animator Michael Woodside is also hosting a daily drawing class where he teaches kids and grownups how to draw Disney characters. Find out early in the day who he plans to draw by visiting his Twitter site, then log into YouTube for the live class.
Learn a new craft, hobby
Try knitting. You just need some yarn, not even needles are required if you finger-knit, according to Martha Stewart.
HGTV has a quiz to help you find the right craft or hobby for you.
Build a Lego
If you have kids, and they have a bin of Legos, dump them out and build. See what you can come up with by free-building. But there are some kits that are more adult-friendly than kid-friendly.
Play board, card games
Turn off the Switch, XBox, PS4, iPads and dig out one of the board games that are stashed in the hall closet. See if you can beat your family at Trivial Pursuit, or how about an epic game of Monopoly or Risk. There’s no need to play the short versions since we all have hours to kill.
Play some poker or Uno too.
Binge-watch a series
Want to find out why everyone’s talking about Baby Yoda, but you haven’t sat down to watch “The Mandalorian?” Now is your chance.
There’s a bunch of shows that are perfect for binge-watching while you’re still home.
Maybe you’ll want to start new shows like “Picard” or catch up on those classic “Seinfeld” episodes.
Get some culture
The Metropolitan Opera is streaming nightly. Click here for the schedule.
The Kennedy Center is uploading new shows to YouTube every day. You can see Sara Bareilles, Gladys Knight and Queen Latifah from the comfort of your couch.
Broadway HD also has about 300 classic musicals, plays and shows, according to Cosmopolitan. BroadwayWorld is also posting clips of stars singing songs from popular shows.
The National Theatre is streaming a production a week each Thursday. You can see what’s showing here.
You can also visit a museum without leaving the comfort of your home. Click here for a list.
Write, journal
The COVID-19 pandemic has a lot of people saying we’re living in an unprecedented time. Write about it. Or if you always wanted to write a book, start writing, Psychology Today suggested.
Listen to podcasts
Find your favorite topic and listen to a podcast on it, The New York Times suggested.
Cook
See what you have in your pantry and whip up a new meal, Psychology Today recommends.
SuperCook is one app that can help. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts has a list of others.