Gone are the days where we can meet up with friends, have Sunday dinners with loved ones, or simply go to our favorite workout class; our normal routine that I’m sure lots of us took for granted. I know I did. So, how can we stay connected even though we may be physically separated?
I’ve seen a bunch of things popping up on the internet and social media about ways we can change up our normal routines, but find comfort in these new circumstances we’re all forced to be in. It can feel overwhelming at first, for me especially I tend to shrink at the thought that I should be more productive during this time, simply because I have so much more free time. If I feel pressure that I should be accomplishing that much more, it will oftentimes have the opposite effect on my productivity. My husband however thrives at the prospect of all these new, oftentimes, creative ways in which we can keep busy. He loves when he feels useful and productive, whether someone is telling him to be so or not. I guess a lot of the times I have to come to my creativeness on my own terms.
While sometimes my coping mechanisms revolve around staring at a screen all day being anything but productive, I have found it encouraging to see new ways in which we can tap into our creative side, whenever we feel the urge to do so. My husband loves lists like this, so if you’re anything like him I think you’ll enjoy the plethora of suggestions. If you’re like me, you can take this list with a grain of salt. if you’re having a good day and feel like you need some more art in your life or simply want to throw on the latest virtual MET concert as you fall asleep at night, check it out.
This is a time filled with anxiety, sleepless nights, and simply the unknown of how long, and how bad this will get is unsettling. But if we can use this time to learn from each other and grow stronger from this terrible pandemic, to support the arts, support our local businesses who are struggling, then I think we can grow exceptionally stronger from this whole situation. This affects us all disproportionately, I know I oftentimes feel bad, to feel bad, seeing as I have a lovely home to quarantine in and a supportive partner that lifts me up when I’m feeling my worst, but all our problems are valid and it’s how we try and make the most of this situation and come together even though we’re apart that we’ll get through this. See you on the other side.
INTROVERTS:
Free audio books on Audible
Or video games I guess… like my husband is into…
THE ARTS:
A lot of museums are offering free virtual tours. Musee D’orsay is a favorite of mine, check it out! Skip the line, virtually, for free!
Or check out Marquee TV (basically Netflix for the arts)
MUSIC MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND:
The arts are what helps us get through the tough times, yet it’s artists and musicians that will have some of the hardest times getting through this recession. The MET is offering free streaming of their concerts every night.
Celebrities are joining in by offering free concerts via streaming; Miley Cyrus, John Legend and Willie Nelson have hosted virtual concerts, check out the hashtag #TogetherAtHome to find more virtual concerts to come
My father in law, Kim Mitchell hosted a concert on Facebook Live, check it out here!
CHEERS! :
In lieu of supporting small businesses, a lot of our favorite bars are finding it difficult to stay afloat. If you’re NYC based, try ordering a big batch of premade cocktails from The Garret (and then host a virtual happy hour with friends!)
If you’re outside of NYC, get creative by making your own cocktails. This is a favorite of mine; the Paper Plane.
KEEP THE PARTY GOING:
In addition to virtual happy hours, join Zoom or Google Hangout to connect with friends, celebrate each other’s birthday parties, or to meet new people.
Club Quarantine is hosting an online queer party every night of the quarantine. 21:00-00:00 ET on zoom app.
FEED ME:
Get cooking!! This is a great site for recipes, and my all-time favorite is this chickpea, coconut milk stew that keeps well for a few days and is really easy to make!
STAY ACTIVE TO SUPPORT ALL YOUR BINGE EATING:
Beyond feeling good, a lot of the workouts I previously did were to stay fit because I had to for work. While I thought I would lessen the amount of movement I did seeing as I’ll be out of work for a while, I realized that it actually helps me alleviate stress and anxiety and is a great tool to get through these times. So, keep moving!! For you, and not because you have to.
A couple of my favorite workouts are by Sky Ting yoga and Pvolve streaming.
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES:
If you can shop locally from that mom & pop store that’s still open versus another Amazon order!
If you’re ordering in, leave a box of snacks and water for your local delivery man, they’re still out there working and keeping us afloat, let them know you appreciate them!
Order takeout from that Indian or Chinese restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. A lot of these small businesses will not survive, do what you can to support them during these rough times
HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR:
My friend Sinead Bovell, founder of Waye Talks is giving out weekly advice for the young entrepreneur. Check out her site for incredible advice on entrepreneurship and simple solutions on how to stay motivated and productive during this pandemic.
GET SMART:
No more excuses!! Seeing as I only completed one year at UofT before moving to NYC full-time to pursue modeling, now is my time to get back into academics!
This is a great resource, as is this class by Yale which is now offering their most popular class to date for free! And the topic is without a doubt going to help you get through these depressing times.
REWATCH THE TORONTO RAPTORS WIN AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN:
Yeah baby ,thank you TSN!
NIHONGO O MANABU (LEARN JAPANESE):
All I can seem to remember is how to order a beer and food (useful), but perhaps I should re-learn a bit more… Check out this site!
BE CALM:
Try that mediation class you’ve always been wanting to try.
NETFLIX, DRINK, AND CHILL:
A new way to watch Netflix together with friends; Netflix Party, check it out!!
TRYING TO STAY SUSTAINABLE? :
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at the prospect of having to use more plastic when stocking up on goods during this pandemic. Look at sustainability in a new lens. Lauren Singer, founder of Package Free Shop sums it up pretty perfectly in her latest Instagram post.
I’m thankful for all of those putting their lives on risk to support the economy and keep us all safe. The heroes who work in hospitals, doctors offices, delivery men, firefighters, small businesses who are being hit hard more than ever. These are tough times, but we will get stronger from this. We’ll have good days, and terrible days, but we will learn from this and grow together even stronger than before. Thank you again for everyone staying inside, washing their hands, and continuing to follow protocol. Do it for your loved ones, the elderly, your friends, and own family.
