Nine things to do while practicing social distancing

Andrea Wilmer

4/9/20 11:22 AM

Being quarantined probably wasn’t on your bucket list. For most of us, it’s a whole new world. The new norm of social-distancing, working & learning from home, and staying inside is forcing all of us to slow down. Think about it. It’s not ALL bad. This is the perfect time to rest, reset and do a few things that you typically don’t have the time to do. Here are a few activities for you and your family to do over the next few weeks while you’re stuck inside. 

Take a college course. Here are more than 450 courses from Ivy League schools like Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, and Yale. 

Write it down. All you need is a blank piece of paper and a pen. Make a list of everything you are grateful for, write a letter to a friend, family member or neighbor, make a bucket list, start a daily journal or write a blog! 

Color it up. Just Color has more than 1500 free downloadable coloring pages with various themes and styles. Dig those markers and crayons out! 

Organize your space. Start small - clean out your junk drawer, book bag, toy box or purse. After that, tackle your closet or bigger yet, the garage!  

Visit a museum. Google Arts and Culture has partnered with more than 2,500 museums and galleries around the world. Share your screen with a friend and tour together!

Learn something new from a podcast. There’s a lot to listen to - check out these links!

Do a puzzle. The more pieces, the better! Or if you are more of a word person, do a word search or crossword puzzle. Numbers are your thing? Try sudoku!  

Go to the zoo. Here are just a few virtual options that you might want to try.

  • Cincinnati Zoo: Visit the Zoo’s Facebook page every day at 3 p.m. for a safari!
  • Atlanta Zoo: Check out the zoo’s PandaCam
  • San Diego Zoo: Click here to watch live cams of koalas, polar bears, tigers and more! 

Be kind. Do a random act of kindness. In short, doing good does you good. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Call someone who is experiencing loneliness 
  • Schedule a virtual movie night with friends
  • Send a motivational text to a friend, family member or neighbor
  • Share your talent or skill via a video call - dance, sing, play an instrument or help with homework

More importantly … use this as an opportunity to reflect, slow down, and appreciate your health, your family and your time.