Staying inside for a consecutive number of weeks can start to feel like a slog, with daily routines becoming all-too-familiar and the view from your backyard growing dull. As we all work to keep each other in high spirits, it can be easy to get caught up in the repetition and feel as though your imagination has run dry. A little creativity can go a long way in making the most of a troubling time; here are four ideas that are sure to add a little bit of flair to your quarantine.
1. Mark time on your calendar for a themed video call
Video calls are the simplest (and safest) way to get some much-needed quality time with loved ones lately, but it can be draining to be reminded of your inability to meet face-to-face.
Try scheduling regular video calls with a group, but with each call centering around a different theme! A themed get-together can help you feel as though you’re on a virtual vacation and bring some joy into your day. Zoom’s “virtual background” feature allows you to import a photo or video of your choosing as a backdrop to your personal stream, meaning you can digitally transport yourself to the beach, Mars, or your favorite concert hall with just a few clicks.
For bonus points, have everyone prepare a themed meal or drink that you can enjoy indulging in together, and shop your wardrobe for a look that suits the setting! You can also order in from a local business whose offerings fit the current theme.
2. Spend the day as a digital tourist
If you often find yourself attempting to check off items on a lengthy bucket list, canceled travel plans might be weighing heavy on your mind. Museums and galleries across the globe would love to welcome you inside with open arms – but until they’re able, they’ve come up with modernized solutions that will keep you intrigued while also allowing you to stay sheltered in place. Google Arts & Culture has comprised a list of hundreds of world-renowned spaces that are offering virtual tours sure to satisfy.
3. Sign up for a virtual course, follow a tutorial, or watch an inspiring speech
We shouldn’t be expected to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis with a handful of new skills under our belts; our primary focus should be our personal health, after all. For some, however, a welcome distraction from the chaos comes in the form of fresh knowledge. Luckily, the internet is abundant with resources for both free and paid courses and tutorials. If you find yourself bored or with an hour or two to yourself, it might be time to pull out your old guitar, download a new knitting pattern, or test the waters of a completely unfamiliar subject.
You can check out sites like Skillshare, Udemy, or YouTube to get started. If you’re short on time or just looking for a new perspective, you could also serve yourself a pep talk from sources like TED or SoulPancake.
4. Share what you love
While some might want to take advantage of this time to learn something new, it could be equally beneficial to instead share your existing expertise with the world.
Self-expression and an opportunity to open up about one’s passions can be just as refreshing as enrolling for a new course. It’s a chance to rave about something you love and inspire enthusiasm in your peers, leading them to develop a newfound interest in the topic and form a new connection with you! You could share your knowledge through social media, an informative article published on a personal blog or through a platform like Medium, or via video blog.
At ZOOO, we’re eager to contribute to the ongoing growth of a strong, vibrant community, and we’re especially dedicated to empowering consumers to connect with local businesses. Want to learn more about the incentives we provide for shopping local? If you pre-register now, you’ll be the first to know when our app is ready to go live.
If you’re a local business owner in Nevada, California, or Japan, pre-register with us today to get started.
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