Social distancing has become our new normal. What are some of the things we can do from home to entertain ourselves during this scary time?
The world as we knew it has dramatically changed in an instant because of the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
With many of us home either under self-quarantine or practicing social distancing, this is a time where we need to keep busy more than ever so distractions are very welcomed.
Here’s 10 things you can do during this social distancing time to keep you busy:
#1: Get to working on those projects you have been procrastinating on. Whether you dust off that sewing machine to work on those curtains you started making three years ago, want to update your website or even put together that bookshelf you bought from IKEA last month, this is the perfect time to complete some projects and get things done around the house and in your life.
#2: Do some Spring cleaning. The Spring season officially begins on Friday, March 20 and it’s the perfect time to sort through clothing and toss/donate what you don’t need. Create a Poshmark store or better yet, check out Blogger House Curvy Closet and find out more about being a consignor. You can earn some money and free up some closet space, all from the comfort of your own home.
#3: Checking in on friends, family and neighbors. This is the perfect time to reach out to friends and family to see how they’re doing. Check on your neighbors and see if they need anything. If you’re not a phone call-type of person, try a video call. If you don’t have Facetime, you can make video calls through Facebook Messenger and Google Duo. You can also send video messages via the Marco Polo app. You just never know who needs to hear a friendly voice or a kind word during this hard time.
#4: Start your indoor workout program. Movement is so important because it makes you feel good. And it’s important to keep moving and be healthy during social distancing. There’s several apps out there such as the 7-minute Workout, Yoga Studio and Sworkit. You can also search YouTube for workout videos that are your jam. I personally love the Walk at Home videos by Leslie Sansone where I walk at least a mile in my living room. This has been my saving grace during the brutal winter months when I couldn’t walk outside comfortably.
#5: Join or organize a virtual meet-up. In times like these, people get creative. Zoom Video Communications has become extremely popular with people organizing virtual dance parties, meet-ups and get-togethers through the app. The virtual dance parties sound especially fun — the person hosting it shares the sound from the playlists on their computer and when people join the room, they can see each other dancing, if they choose to. This is also a great way to play cards, host a watch party/movie night, have a book club meeting, etc. Most people have been posting invites on Facebook and Twitter if you’re looking to join in.
#6: Catch up on some reading. Click here to see our 7 book picks to read if you’re looking to be inspired.
#7: Try some DIY Projects. With toilet paper, baby wipes and hand sanitzer basically sold out nationally, did you know you can make your own wipes and sanitizer at home? Click here for the wipes recipe and here for the sanitizer recipe. And you can #BeKind and give some batches out to neighbors who may need it.
#8: Stream your favorite movie, concert or TV show. There’s many options via Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and more. Every night this week, the Metropolitan Opera will be streaming a free opera from its archives. Start time is 7:30 p.m. and they’re available to watch until 3:30 p.m. the following day. Click here for the full schedule.
#9: Have some self-care time. You deserve some ME time. Put on a facial mask and give yourself a mani/pedi. Take a bubble bath surrounded by your favorite candles and music playing. Sit by the window and meditate. Do those things you love and that give you peace while rejuvenating your spirit.
#10: Teach yourself a foreign language. Ever wanted to learn another language? Download the Duolingo app and have fun! Once the “Rona” pandemic ends, you’ll be ready to travel to that foreign land and speak the language fluently.
Here’s some links to stay updated on the COVID-19 pandemic #StayintheKnow:
https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-03-19-20-intl-hnk/index.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
Do you have any ideas on what to do while home practicing social distancing? Follow us on social media and let us know! @plusmodelmag: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Opening image credit: Michael Poley of Poley Creative for AllGo, publisher of free stock photos featuring plus-size people