Well, I think it’s safe to say that March has been the most interesting month so far in 2020 and I suspect it will be for the rest of the year. It’s funny how much a worldwide pandemic can change things so quickly. One minute you’re out seeing all your people and doing all the things and the next you’re at home fulfilling your dream of being in your pyjamas 24/7 and worried about if you have enough toilet paper and snacks to eat.
But in all seriousness though, self-quarantining/isolating is a big deal and I hope it’s something you’re doing to help protect our families and communities. There are many folks out there (like our medical professionals, grocery store staff, and so many more) who don’t have the option to be at home with their families and are continuing to work every day to help everyone else, so by you staying home you’re helping everyone too.
If you are self-quarantining/isolating it’s totally understandable to feel a little lost (such as having no idea what day of the week it is!) and it’s totally understandable to experience a variety of emotions throughout the day. So to help with this, we’ve put together a list of things you can do if you’re looking for how to utilize your time in a valuable way:
1. Support Small Businesses
Supporting small businesses isn’t only buying – though buying is awesome too of course – it’s also liking on social media, sharing and commenting on posts, signing up for their newsletter, writing a review, buying a gift card, and ordering take-out (if a restaurant).
2. Donate to Your Local Food Bank or Non-Profit
This is a really challenging time for food banks and other non-profit organizations and many are having a hard time from securing enough food for families in need to having enough funds to keep staff on to run valuable (and needed) community services.
3. Donate Your Blood
If you're able and are feeling well, donate your blood through the Canadian Blood Services. Be sure to make an appointment first before showing up, though.
4. Show Up for Elderly Folks
Reach out to your elderly family members and neighbours to simply say hello and/or to see if there is anything you can help them with. Some seniors will have support systems already in place, but others will not so they might need help with their groceries or just want to someone to chat with.
5. Pick. Up. The. Phone.
I know, I know, the dreaded telephone we’ve all hated for quite some time now because we have to use our voice to talk to people in real time. Honestly though, since everyone is required to social distance and minimize all trips out of our homes, phone and video calls have been a valuable way to continue to connect with family and friends.
Video Call via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, or House Party
6. Plan a Social “Get Together” or Family/Date Night
While you can't physically be with other people (unless they live in your house with you), there are still a bunch of things you can do with others:
Dinner Party/Happy Hour: Using any video call platform
Online Games: Cards Against Humanity, Jackbox Games, House Party, Epic Games
Movie Night: Any streaming service such as Netflix or Disney+. If you want to watch a movie with a group of friends you can use Netflix Party
Pub Trivia - Virtual Pub Quizzes
Tour Museums & Art Galleries - World-Class Museums, US Museums
Tour Zoos & Aquariums - Assiniboine Park Zoo (Winnipeg), USA Zoos
Tour Theme Parks - Walt Disney World, Sea World, & LEGOLAND
7. Work on a Personal Project
From baking to painting to meditating to knitting - do whatever your little heart desires.
DIY Crafts - Crayola
Puzzles - Daily Crosswords
Reading/Book Clubs – Join the “Quarantine Book Club”
Baking - Drool-Worthy Recipes
8. Clean All the Things
Okay, okay, so you don’t have to go all “Marie Kondo” on your home, but cleaning up and/or organizing those long forgotten/neglected spaces might be a good idea while you’re home for this extended period of time (i.e. your junk drawer, clothes closet, garage, storage room, kid’s room/toys, etc).
9. Exercise/Self-Care
Move your body, people! Lots of places are offering free at-home workouts, but if you're actually needing some quiet time, there's places helping with that too:
10. Get Your Learn On
If you’ve been wanting to learn a new skill, now is a good time! These companies are offering free virtual classes or a free subscription for a certain period of time:
Skillshare ("Classes to Spark Your Creativity")
Creative Live (Creative, Software & Business Classes)
Ted Talks ("Ideas Worth Spreading")
Duolingo (Learn a New Language)
UDEMY (A mix of paid/free online courses)
Coursera (Courses/Certificates/Degrees from World-Class Universities)
It’s a strange time we’re all living in right now so we're sending some positive and healthy vibes your way!!
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