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Social Distancing sucks. It's hard on our relationships, our work life, and therefore on our mental health - humans don't typically thrive in isolation. We crave contact and social interaction on a regular basis, without it we tend to go a little mad. Cabin fever anyone? I mean it worked out alright for the Muppets that one time, but let's not rely on a musical number to get us out of this one...
The good news? We live in 2020, and the world is quite literally at our fingertips. If you've found that finishing an entire TV series on Netflix in under 48 hours is not quite as satisfying as it sounds, maybe try something new, to help you stay sane during this not-so-sane time.
While there are many things you can do, here is a quick list of some suggestions:
1. Have a Costume Night
What's more fun than playing dress-up?! Dig through that old Halloween tickle trunk and see what you can create with other items from around the house. Have dinner dressed up, play some games, or party in the living room! Don't forget the photo-shoot
2. Film a "Newscast"
Technology to the rescue! Bust out your Smartphone and set up to make a newscast of some current events that are going on locally, or events that are taking place in your family circle. iMovie makes editing a snap, and when you're all finished with it, connect it to that SmartTV and have a viewing party. Doing this at home is an unusual way to interact as a family, but the kids will get a kick out of seeing themselves as the anchor/sports caster/weather-kid. This also helps everyone learn to speak more efficiently in public!
3. Throw an Indoor Picnic
Move some of that pesky furniture out of the road, throw down a few blankets, cushions, pillows, and a basket full of goodies down onto the floor, maybe string some twinkle lights up, and have a picnic! No ants to ruin anything here, just put on a good playlist, drink some wine, and play some cards.
4. Plant Seedlings
Planting seedlings and watching their growth is rewarding, as well as educational. You would need to do a bit of research as to what would be the best time to plant. The time frame fluctuates between various types of plants. Most plants take 3-15 weeks to mature to a level to be transplanted into a garden. You would want to know what type of plants you are planting and the time needed. It brings great joy to watch them develop and bloom once they are transplanted into a garden.
If you need supplies, most greenhouses are offering curb-side pick up right now, and even some virtual shopping.
5. Play Games!
It may seem like an obvious suggestion, but it's still an effective one! Learn a new card game, or go check out the board games collecting dust in your basement, and see if your spouse is up for a multi-day game of Risk (we take no responsibilities for any ongoing arguments created during such games).
6. Do Some Spring Cleaning
Decluttering is a great stress reducer, so use your free time to get rid of some of that old junk in the back of the closet that you've been avoiding for years. Have some items that are still in good shape but no use for them? Find Edmonton is still accepting donations AND pick-ups so that they can continue to provide housing and furnishings to those who are still trying to move out of homelessness.
Call ahead to schedule drop-off/pick-up times.
*Pro Tip: You can also shop online if you're a cooped-up bargain hunter itching for the next great 'Find'!!
7. Learn to Do Nail-Art
With some patience, you can learn to do this at home. Spend time practicing this. You can find kits and tools for this online (amazon.ca). It is relaxing to sit around painting nails and compare the outcomes. Make sure Dad gets in on this one too; his toes have never looked so good!
8. Join a Book Club
Or just read a book (or 3)! Reading is the best way to pass the time on a quiet day. Gather some of your friends with the ability to read (or watch the movie version at least), pick one night a month and plan a group video chat to discuss the book, or really, just drink wine "together" and catch up on any possible gossip. No friends? No problem. There are virtual book clubs (because of course there are) that you can join and participate at your own pace. Check them out here:
Pro Tip: Not much of a reader? Audiobooks are SO hot right now. Download your free app (Libby by OverDrive) and sign up with your (also free) library card!
9. Film a Cooking Show
Cooking shows are so popular these days that there are networks dedicated to broadcasting shows about cooking. Pick out a recipe you would like to try, pretend you are hosting your own cooking show and video it. Make sure the whole family participates, in one way or another. You are certain to have a lot of laughs while watching your family episode over the delicious (?) meal you made together.
10. Finish a Pinterest Project
We all have boards on Pinterest filled with great ideas that we just haven't gotten around to yet... well, what better time than quarantine time?! Pick the projects you can do with items from around the house, or take advantage of most retailers offering free shipping and/or curb-side pick-ups if you need supplies.
11. Go For a Walk or a Bike Ride
The outdoors is still perfectly safe, as long as you are smart and you remain cautious. Maintain your distance between people you may pass, share the trail and warn when you are passing, and definitely DO NOT use parks or trails if you are feeling ill, have been in contact with someone ill, or are exhibiting symptoms of any kind.
12. Learn Yoga
Yoga is a great way to connect to your mind and body, and get a good workout in in the meantime. Have the whole family learn to do some Sun Salutations, and make it good practice to start each day this way. Yoga is an excellent form of healthy interaction for people of all ages.
13. Play Charades
There's a reason this game has been around forever. It's easy to set up, and always makes for a couple of laughs. Write up some scenarios/words/pop culture/etc. onto index cards, choose teams (or play individually) and away you go! Want to play virtually?? Use a Charade word generator (isn't the internet wonderful) and get that group video chat fired up again! Pro Tip: Change it up once in a while and have a Pictionary challenge - same game, just draw instead.
14. Have a Photoshoot
You don't need a professional camera anymore to take professional looking photos. Set up a 'studio' in a well-lit room, grab a few props, a couple of models, and set that iPhone on Portrait Mode. There are plenty of free apps you can download to edit photos. My personal favourites being VSCO, Canva, Prisma, PicMonkey, & Moldiv.
15. Make a Family Scrapbook
Everyone has family photos laying around that they've "been meaning to put into an album" sometime. Compile your photos into groups, and arrange your supplies to begin; perhaps there is a trip or other meaningful event you'd like to focus on. The possibilities are endless with scrapbooking. If you don't have the necessary supplies, Michaels delivers and currently is also offering curb-side pick-up, just beware, it isn't the least expensive hobby to get started with.
Stay alert, stay safe, and stay healthy out there everyone. Remember to keep as connected to your community as you can be during this trying time. We are all in this together!