While staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been looking for ways to fill up my downtime after work and on the weekends. Here are 5 ways you can stay productive and entertained while flattening the curve.
- Get Moving
Before the quarantine began, I stayed active by going to weekly dance classes and the gym as much as possible. While dance studios and gyms have closed, many are offering virtual classes via Zoom, and some dancers and personal trainers are using Instagram Live to share free workshops with their followers. There is also the free Nike Training Club app that offers workouts at a variety of levels. With all these resources, you can find a way to pass the time and stay healthy.
Social distancing doesn’t mean staying inside completely. LMD’s Director of Web Services Jason uses Strava to enjoy his local trails.
Jason's family taking a break from their bike ride.
LMD’s Designer Chanda uses Zoom to attend her dance classes.
- Take in Some Culture
Many museums around the world are offering free virtual tours of their extensive collections, including New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. To expand on your cultural learning beyond museums, take a look at Google Arts & Culture. The site features content about the history of different cuisines, tours of world wonders and the international space station, and suggests different activities. It’s also a great educational tool for kids.
VP of Finance and Administration Cathy is using her mornings for her photography.
- Online Learning
Now is a great time to learn a new skill. I’ve taken a few classes on Skillshare, which offers classes ranging from the basics of Procreate to making the perfect grilled cheese. LinkedIn Learning and Udemy also offer educational resources that will help you learn from the comfort of your home. - Find a New Hobby
From LEGO to knitting to jigsaw puzzles, there are plenty of ways to keep your mind engaged without resorting to going online. Support small businesses by finding your next project on Etsy or see if your local hobby stores have online ordering options.
Account Director Chris spends his off time with puzzles or Legos. Can you identify the famous TV set he made?
VP of Client and Consulting Services Holly spends her evenings with Bob Ross.
Account Manager Irma's family made masks.
- Whip Something Up
While it’s important to support your local restaurants in this tough time, you can also get creative with cooking. There are millions of recipes available online for you to try, but if you’re overwhelmed, Buzzfeed has curated some lists of easy at-home recipes that you can start with. If you’ve got kids in the house, have them join you and teach them an important skill. Make up the recipe as you go, or recreate a favorite family recipe and have it for dinner or dessert.
Designer Krista is putting her bread maker to use this week!
- Take Care of Yourself
Keep in mind that you don’t have to pressure yourself to be productive right now. You can just curl up with some Dalgona coffee and relax with a good book or TV show. We all could use a break during this scary time and take it easy.
Spoil yourself with fancy caffeinated drinks to power you, like Director of Digital and Web Services Jason.
Or take care of a buddy, like how Junior Web Developer Jessica is taking care of her new baby Liam.
