Enternainment Options During COVID-19

Picture of NYC to bring a smile to your face. This post includes affiliate links, upon clicking or buying from them, I may receive compensation.

 

We’re all stuck inside at the moment and for the most part that gets boring. Now as a natural introvert with ambivert tendencies when needed, this time in quarantine is not that big of a deal. Although I do think the psychological aspect of being told we can’t go out when we might want to, is heightening people’s sense of unrest.

Unfortunately as a result of this health crisis I like others I know have lost my job, and I worked from home! Tomorrow is officially my last day, but my faith in this ending and getting my job back soon is high. But only God knows when that will really be. In the meantime I will try my best to keep myself busy. Here is a list of entertainment options during Covid-19 to help keep you entertained as well.

 

Museums that are giving virtual tours:

Museum of FIT: For Fashion history (one of my favorite museums)

 

THE MET: The MET is giving online tours of the museum and of exhibitions (one of my favorite places in the world)

 

The Jewish Museum: A beautiful museum, which I recommend you visit in person if you get the chance

 

The Guggenheim: For the modern art lover

 

The American Museum of Natural History : A kid favorite

 

Fun fact: I made plans with a friend to visit Grounds for Sculpture, an outdoor museum in NJ before the Corona Virus hit, obviously those plans went bust.

 

Botanical Gardens:

The New York Botanical Garden: Currently on display is The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope. The Orchid Show like the Cherry Blossom show is something they put on every year and was something I was planning on going to. But a virtual tour will have to do for now. It was really relaxing to watch, and I highly recommend it. Check out their Facebook page to watch the guided tour.

 

Aquariums: Various aquariums are live streaming from different fish tanks. Watching fish is relaxing, I know because I watched!

 

Take a Class: Teachable is a great platform to find new classes. The classes usually entail experts in whatever field you’re in giving a webinar to enhance your skills. Not on teachable, but found own my own is a sewing course by Mimi G Ford. My mom and I are thinking of taking her online classes, sewing is in our blood, and we have always wanted to take ongoing classes.

 

Kadenze is also a platform where you can find free classes. I signed up for a fashion focused class, but there are a variety of topics that you can choose from. The platform has classes from different educational institutions.

 

Learn a new language: I’ve loved using Duolingo, ever since I discovered it a few years back. It’s a free app that lets you learn a new language or practice the one’s you know. I love to practice my Italian, French and even Spanish sometimes.

 

Exercise indoors: I’ve shared this app before on my Instastories and want to share it here too. I have been using the FitOn app to excersice indoors during the quarantine in NJ. Although I started using it in January because I knew I needed motivation to workout. I was on a tight budget and as much as I want to join Title or another boxing gym (my workout of choice) I could not afford to. So within my hunt for a free alternative I found FitOn, and I love it.

 

The app is full of free classes ranging in diffrent types of workouts from high intensity, full sweat classes to simple meditation, all lead by professionals. I’ve noticed that the app adds new classes regularly, which is something I like as well. Even celebrities like Gabrielle Union and Jonathan Van Ness take part in classes. The app also allows you to track your weight and milestones like completing goals you set, such as working out 5 times a week.

 

Start that business or blog: Now is the perfect time to start that business or blog that you had been putting off. Many platforms are offering free or discounted rates for small business owners. Siteground the host I use for my blog, has lowered their prices for people who want to start their own website. I really like Siteground as a host, and have had little to no problems with it. It’s also the perfect time to just start researching a business or blog, or spruce up what you already have. Something I did last weekend to my own blog. I’m also taking this time to research a new business I want to start and get advice from others.

 

Find a mentor: Speaking of advice, if you’re thinking of starting a business you may want advice from a mentor. I recently started using Score, which helps you find a mentor near you who will give you free business advice and mentoring. I’ve already spoken to two mentors and it was absolutely free. Their website also has free resources, while WE NYC is basically the same concept with, in normal times, events in NYC, and is an option I plan on using as well.

 

Listen to a podcast: If you’ve been wanting to listen to a podcast now is the time to do so. The free version of Spotify offers access to podcasts, while if you have Apple Music, you should check out their podcasts as well. My personal favorite is He Said, Ella Dijo with Roselyn Sanchez and her husband Eric Winter. They’re a funny couple, so if you want to laugh, I suggest listening to that one.

 

Start a new hobby: Just like that business or blog, now is a great time to figure out a hobby. Have some paint and paint brushes? Start painting! Want to learn how to write calligraphy? Find a free online class and start! YouTube is a great place to find free how-to videos as well, makeup tutorial anyone? While watching IGTV is also a good option if you want to learn something new.

 

Board games, binge watch and getting outdoors: I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever played UNO or Rummikub this many times in my life, like I have since the quarantine started. But this is the perfect time to take out those card and board games we usually leave for the holidays. While no one can fault you if you finally binge watch that show you never saw. I just started watching Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu and I can say that I already recommend it. And finally take a walk outdoors while keeping with the suggestions and curfews you are being given.

Stay safe and stay healthy-T.S.