The most effective way to protect ourselves and the community is to “stay 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 stay connected and explore the world (without a social media binge) by using 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 to make “staying at home” beneficial to you and your family:
Workout at home. Your community gym is probably not open, but you can stay fit or begin a healthy exercise program right in your apartment. Experts tell us that active lifestyles boost immunity and minimize 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
Explore your kitchen. A healthy diet is an important part of boosting immunity and improving your outlook. If you are just learning to cook at home, let Gordon Ramsey lead you through the basics, or improve your knife skills with Jamie Oliver. Experienced home chefs can try something new, like learning how to create complex pastries or discovering the nuances of Chinese cuisine.
Open your mind. Staying at home provides 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 home decorating to music – get started with SkillShare.
Stay connected. Your PC and smart devices can help you stay in touch with family and friends and avoid feelings of isolation. You can also 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 kids.
Expand your horizons. While you’re stuck at home, use your computer and smart devices 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
Make a plan for your escape. Look to the future and the end of “stay at home” by planning a vacation to a place you’ve never been to! Visit potential colleges 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.
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!