Due to the current Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have been ordered by health and government officials to stay at home. During this period of self-isolation, it can be a challenge to keep your mind occupied. Here are some ideas to keep you entertained whether you're home alone or in a house all day with the kids.
1. Tour the Greatest Museums in the World
Google and Fast Company have teamed up to offer virtual tours of more than 500 of the world's museums. Now is the perfect time to explore the many artistic, scientific, and historical treasures that are on display from the comfort of your own home. Among the most famous virtual destinations in the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim Museum of Art in New York, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
2. Play Online Bingo
Bingo is one of the world's best known and most popular games. Thanks to modern technologies, players are going online to get their fix of bingo and socialization. It can be a whole lot of fun meeting new people and sharing common interests while playing bingo games.
It is not only a fun pastime for the grownups. Initially created in Germany as a teaching game for children, bingo has long since evolved into a favorite for kids of all ages. Kids can play and keep their math, reading, and other skills sharp while they are away from school.
3. Be a Star At Home
During periods of isolation, music can make the time more enjoyable and seem to pass faster. If you have ever wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument or belt out your favorite tune, now might be just the time to dust off that old guitar you've got stashed in your closet. Brian May, lead guitarist for the band Queen, for example, is offering free video lessons on Instagram on how to play some of his famous riffs from the band's greatest hits.
If singing is more your jam and you have a karaoke microphone, you can access several online karaoke sites and sing along to your favorite tunes. Whether you are into country, rock, Broadway show tunes, Disney hits, or world music, there's something for everyone to sing!
4. Learn to Cook Like a Chef
Like the rest of us, most of the world's best chefs are also stuck at home. Many masters of gourmet food, like PBS's celebrity Chef Nick Stellino, are offering free access to their latest recipes on YouTube, so you feel as if you're eating out.
5. Read More Books
It should come as no surprise that libraries and bookstores are on lockdown, too. Now is the perfect time to start or deepen a reading habit. Websites like Project Gutenberg, Forgotten Books, and the World Public Library have millions of free books available for you to download and read on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
6. Do Some Writing
If you've always dreamed of writing a story of your own or starting a blog, having the extra time may be just what you need to try it. If you're into fan fiction or original stories, websites like Dreamwidth, Wattpad, and Panhistoria offer users free access to their sites so that they can create characters and stories to share and get feedback from others. Blogging sites like WordPress and Tumblr, for example, offer free blog options so you can write about anything that strikes your fancy.
7. Keep Fit
Staying physical while in self-isolation can present a bit of a challenge. There are hundreds of fitness videos available on YouTube and public broadcasting channels that offer ways for you to get some exercise even while you're at home. You can find everything from aerobics to yoga and other types of stretching exercises that keep you limber and healthy.
8. Learn to Speak a New Language
Learning a new language doesn't have to be difficult, and during this period of social distancing, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. Apps like Duolingo and Babbel offer you a way to learn a language at your own pace.
If you have always wanted to learn how to speak Spanish, French, German, Italian, or even less common languages like Lakota or Tagalog, go for it while you have the time! You can even find websites offering lessons on speaking fantasy languages like Klingon, Dothraki, or Quenya. No matter what language sparks your interest, you can find free resources online to help you do it.
