Here we all are, in an age of social distancing and remote working. To some people, it sounds like a perfect staycation opportunity. To others, it feels like an automatic sentence for cabin fever. We at Cooper Ginsberg Gray know there are struggles associated with self isolating and social distancing.
We hope we can help you get some good ideas for fun things to do during your time at home, whether we’re adding on to your fun or helping alleviate some of the boredom. I have been selected as CGG’s resident introvert to share some things you can do at home (and alone if need be), that can fill your time with fun and productivity.
BOOKS
I am unabashedly the biggest bookworm at CGG, and also maybe in the world J Forgive my enthusiasm in advance. But the great thing about books and storytelling is that you can indulge in them anytime and anywhere, and they’re wonderful company.
If you don’t have enough interesting books at home and you’re struggling for options with everything closed, here are some great ways to access books online.
Through your local library
FCPL uses Overdrive, a program that allows you to electronically check out books with your library card. Their app, Libby, brings books to any device for you, and includes an audio feature in case you want someone else to read to you. Many other counties use Overdrive and Libby, so odds are you can give it a shot. Check it out here.
Online reading
A surprising number of books are available online for free on any device through the amazing Project Gutenberg. These books are copyright free works, mostly classics but with a few surprises sprinkled in, that are available to the general public in the United States. Check out the top 100 downloaded books here and search for your own favorite authors.
Audio books
Audible.com is an Amazon service that offers audiobooks. They have a 30 day free trial, so you can get started and see if you like it, and cancel if it’s not to your taste. Check it out here.
Audible is also providing FREE children’s and teen’s books during the Coronavirus quarantine time. (Also approved for adult listening, who needs to know your age?) Check out their new initiative Audible Stories here.
On social media
This one is a little different. Many authors and creators have responded to the need for activities during a time of quarantine by doing half hour storytimes on live feeds, reading work in “book club settings” with their fans, or doing activities live that relate to their books. Neil Gaiman comes to mind.
Operation Storytime also has celebrities and authors alike providing great resources. For example, Mo Willems has a daily lunch doodle activity every day from 1:00 – 1:20 pm through March 27. Find him here. (You can also find other great educational resources through the Kennedy Center.) And yes, I know, some of these are children-oriented activities. If you have kids, this is a great option for them. If you don’t – well, take it from me, they work for adults too
Remote book clubs
I personally am in social media groups that are like giant online book clubs, where people read together and comment about their favorite books, and ask for suggestions. These forums can lead to fun discussions about other topics, too, and you know you’re among like-minded people. Now when we can’t talk to one another in person, this resource can be especially helpful to remind you that you are not alone!
Okay, okay I hear you. What if I’m not into books, you say? The possibilities are endless.
PRACTICAL AND HOUSEKEEPING STUFF
Yes, I know, everyone’s favorite. But you’re stuck at home and you’re bored. So – you might as well:
Clean out that closet that’s annoyed you forever
Organization is an easy, time-consuming at-home option.
Go through your clothes and see if you can donate anything
While many places have stopped accepting donations right now during the Coronavirus outbreaks, they will then be in dire need of new and safe donations when the world returns to normal operating status.
Clean the house
If you have to be stuck in it, it might as well look the way you want it to.
Garden or do yard work
Don’t forget that while we are socially distancing, the outdoors is still very available to us. It’s important to get exercise and keep ourselves engaged with nature.
Cook
Assuming you’re not suffering too much from empty grocery store shelves (believe me, we feel your pain), now is the perfect time to try out those recipes you’ve meant to cook, but you’re always too busy to fuss with. My Instant Pot has been a great comfort for trying out new things without too much fanfare, but if you want to try that 10 hour bread baking process, when could be better?
HELPING FIGHT THE CORONAVIRUS
Health care workers and emergency personnel put themselves at risk to help us during this time of need. Here’s one small way you can help them back, from your home.
Help make homemade masks
We are at the point now where we have run out of N95 medical masks in most locations, and healthcare professionals are facing shortages. If you’re a crafty person or you like to sew, you can help battle the shortage. Here’s how.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Puzzles
Great for your brain, great for your kids, great for confusing everyone while you search for that final missing piece that maybe the dog ate. You can find puzzles online if you don’t have any physical ones. Here’s one site – Jigsaw Explorer – though there are many.
Sewing, crocheting, or crafting
Growing up, my mom always had a room full of sewing crafts and fabrics. While this might not be the case for everyone, if you do have these resources, there’s no harm in trying to teach yourself how to make a homemade pillow or dog bed or blanket. Remember, you’re home alone, so no one will know how they turn out unless you tell other people
Music
Many households have instruments laying around. If you wanted to pick up guitar or piano and you have a decorative or aspirational one sitting around, now’s the time. If you don’t have instruments, you can always sing or listen. Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, and Youtube Music are all available on multiple devices and can go with you anywhere you go in your house or yard.
Card and board games
There are so many you can play with your family, and so many you can play on your own. A lot of households have these laying around. Now’s the time to dig out that Harry Potter board game from 2005. And most of us know how to play Minesweeper and Spider Solitaire online – for me, that was a pretty vital part of growing up.
Online virtual museum tours
Museums are rising to the challenge! Tour museums from the comfort of your house and get you some culture.
Online National Park tours
Always wanted to visit a national park (like me?). Google Earth has provided gorgeous virtual tours of many national parks so you can get outdoors in spirit if not reality. Find them here.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Yes, you can still go outside! Just be cognizant of your surroundings. For example, don’t join large gatherings of people. Continue to social distance. And be sure if you’re using public walking paths or facilities that you are following local park closure rules. Many Fairfax County parks have closed certain parts of their facilities, while others remain open.
Exercise
Indoors or outdoors, this one is vital. I put it outdoors because many gyms are closed and you might find yourself running on a path instead of a treadmill. But you can do that yoga, go for that run, go for that bike ride, and stretch from your yard, patio, deck, living room, or bedroom.
Plan a bike trip
Whether for yourself or for your family, biking brings this introvert a lot of joy. And you’re never too close to other bikers, even if you’re using the same trails. My favorite rides include around Lake Accotink, Burke Lake, South Run trails, and the Fairfax County Connector trails. You can map out good trail rides for yourself that start and end at your home in Fairfax County here. If you’re not in Fairfax, your county probably has something similar available through their websites.
Walk and play with your pets
If you have dogs especially, now you can really get that quality time in. CGG is big on pets, and a lot of us have dogs. I have two, and they probably take the cake for the most energetic pups at CGG. I know I for one am loving the opportunity to work remotely from my deck while my pups play and sunbathe, and taking them for walks makes me get up and move – important when you’re working from home.
EVERYONE’S FAVORITES
Okay, let’s be real. The world is kind of scary for many folks right now. Don’t forget to practice self-care while you’re home.
TV and Movies
Finish that movie marathon, binge that series you always said you would watch but didn’t (lookin’ at you, Game of Thrones), make Netflix ask you if you’re still watching. I may or may not be planning to watch the Princess Bride at least twice this upcoming week. If you do screen time in appropriate moderation for your total time at home, this is a great way to engage your mind and pass the time.
Video games
You can still download just about anything onto your Xbox, Playstation, PC, etc. There are educational games, fun games, and questing games. Not to mention that, if you are alone or getting sick of some of your quarantine buddies, you can talk to other real people in your online community as you play. Again, moderation is key, but we all deserve to enjoy ourselves right now.
Napping
Just being real with my personal habits here
Reading
See above of course!
Call your friends and family
You might not be able to see them as much as you want with work schedules, or daily life getting in the way. Now you’ll have a little more time, what could be better than checking in with those you love?
Indulge your hobby
For me, it’s creative writing. For others, it may be painting, or sculpture, or music, or (like my analytically minded significant other) catching up on physics lectures videos. This is the best thing you can do for yourself right now – let yourself do the creative and enriching things you dream of doing.
Ideas for Activities in the Time of Coronavirus
From all of us at CGG, we sincerely hope you’re healthy and safe and happy. And we hope this helps.
-Abby, and the CGG Team