By Alix Logan

Are you self isolating and having trouble finding things to do?

If you’ve got some free time on your hands, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

So much has changed in the world this last week and we all need to do our part in staying home as much as possible and practicing social distancing.

While we are cooped up at home, it’s still important to stay busy and wake up with a purpose every day.

So, here is a list of some more or less productive and free things you can do from home during your self isolation period!

ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT

If you’re looking to take a break from your Netflix binge, here are a few fun and different things you can do from the comfort of you own home.

Aquarium/Zoo

Yes that’s right! The Vancouver Aquarium has set up live feeds so you can watch from home! So far they have set up live cams for the otters, penguins and jellyfish. If you’re hoping for another specific aquarium, lot’s of them around the world around also hopping on this bandwagon so just look up your favourite one.

The San Diego Zoo also has live cams set up for elephants, giraffes, pandas and so many more!

Broadway

You can stream your favourite broadway shows right now when you sign up for a 7 day free trial at Broadway HD. Just don’t forget to cancel the subscription before your free trials ends or else the whole free idea will be a complete bust…

Virtual Tours

Feeling the urge to travel now more than ever? Check out Google Art’s and Culture if you’re getting anxious about being inside. You can take virtual tours of museums and landmarks from around the world!

Missing the NHL right about now? The Hockey Hall of Fame is also offering a virtual tour online!

NASA

Interested in space? Well lucky for you, NASA has just made their entire image, sound and video library available to the public. Check it out!

Music

Tons of musicians are taking the internet by storm and performing live from their homes to spread awareness and positivity. If you’ve missed any, you can probably find the videos posted on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. Just to name a few: Chris Martin, Jan Arden, Niall Horan, John Legend and so many more!

FOOD

Cooking At Home

The number one reason most people don’t cook for themselves is because they simply don’t have the time. Now that you’re self isolating at home, you might have found the time you need to look up new recipes and try out some new dishes!

Delivery

Okay this one is not completely free, but many restaurants and food delivery apps are waving delivery fees when you order food online. Some are even offering discounts on top of free delivery! If you have the means to, try to continue to support your local restaurants during these tough times.

SOCIALIZE

Just because you’re staying at home and practicing social distancing doesn’t mean you need to cut off social interaction with others. Introverts, it’s time for you to check in on your extroverts. FaceTime, Skype, email, text and call to check in on everyone you know!

• Download the Houseparty app for those much needed group video chats

• Install the Netflix Party Google Chrome extension on your computer so you can still have movie nights with your friends and family

WORK(ish)

Have you updated your resume in the past year? If not, this could be a great time for you to update it. Even if you’re not looking for a new job, it’s always best to keep an up to date resume. It’s so much easier to remember your success’ and accomplishments when they’re fresh in your head.

This could also be a great time to look for new resume templates and spruce it up.

ORGANIZE

Now that you’re spending more time at home, your place is bound to get a bit messy. Or maybe you’re just feeling anxious about everything that’s going on right now? Apparently just 20 minutes of cleaning can help reduce stress and anxiety. Give cleaning a try and see for yourself!

This is a great time to go through your closet or tackle the garage. Take quality photos of items you’re not making use of anymore so you can post your items for sale in the future.

Maybe you can finally repair that blazer with the missing button or clean that shirt with the stain. You could even steam press your clothes that are wrinkled and hang them back up in your closet if you’re feeling really productive.

Blast some music and get rummaging!

PLAY GAMES

Do you have board games at home? Go and pull them out!

Not only are board games fun to play, they help stimulate brain function and improve cognitive skills. Playing board games can lower blood pressure, help you to relax and cause the release of endorphins in your body, which are chemicals that make you feel happy!

LEVEL UP YOUR SKILLS

Scholastics

Scholastics is offering free online resources to help parents continue education at home while schools are closed.

From PreK to Grade 9, they’ve got you covered if you have kids at home.

Coursera

Maybe you’re interested in building some skills now that you have some free time on your hands? MOOC has compiled a list of free courses taught by some of the top universities around the world.

Some providers will charge for graded items and you might need to pay a fee if you want to receive a certificate at the end but you can join and complete the courses absolutely free if you are simply looking to learn.

READ

Cozy up on the couch and read away! Don’t have any books at home? No worries.

Library

Your local library will have tons of online resources for you while they’re closed. Look them up, you’ll definitely be able to access library content from the comfort of your own home!

SCRIBD

Sbribd is an online service for books, audiobooks, magazines and other documents. You can read free with a 30 day free trial! Again, remember to cancel the subscription before your free trial ends.

Exercise

There are loads of fitness gurus taking it live and offering free at home workouts while gyms remain closed.

Not only that, but many fitness studios are also sharing free live streams for home workouts. Just to name a few:

• 6IX Strong is on Instagram (@6ix_cycle) live streaming 30 to 45 minute at 5:45pm (EST) every day Monday through Thursday. If you’re missing your regular spin class, this one is for you!

• Orangetheory is on Facebook and Instagram (@orangetheory) sharing new 30 minute workouts every day. They have a link to their website if you miss it so you can watch at any time.

• Peloton is now offering it’s app to new users for a 90 day free trial. They have workouts ranging from yoga and meditation to strength training and cardio exercises.

• Planet Fitness is on YouTube and on Facebook live streaming 20 minute “Work-Ins” at 7pm (EST) every day.

• Fit Factory is on Instagram (@fitfactoryto) live streaming 30 minute full body workouts at 12pm and 5:30pm (EST) on weekdays and 12pm (EST) on weekends.

• I use an app called Workout Women, it’s a free app that has tons of workouts to choose from and follow along! There’s something for everyone at any level.

If you need some motivation to stay active during these tough times, definitely check out some of these free streams.

Final Thoughts

We all need to do our part in practice social distancing, not just for ourselves, but for others around us who are more at risk. Stay safe and spread kindness. We are all in this together.

What are you doing to stay safe and keep busy during your self isolation?

Disclaimer: The ideas posted on this website are my own. The content is specifically for educational and informational purposes and is not considered professional advice.

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