During a typical week, we would be sharing our top picks for events and festivals to check out this weekend. But as you know, this is not a typical week. So, while we are here to bring you the latest news about COVID-19 that you need to know, our biggest hope is that we can bring you some positivity and uplifting inspiration during this time of uncertainty. Here are our top picks for activities to keep you sane this week, while you are doing your job staying home and flattening the curve.
Have a Netflix Party
It’s more important now than ever to stay in touch with your friends and loved ones. You can always host FaceTime happy hours and game nights via Google Hangouts, but another fun alternative is Netflix Party. With the Google Chrome extension, you can chat with your friends while you enjoy the latest binge worthy-shows and buzz worthy movies. Here are some recommendations to get your started.
Catch up on one of the best books of the last year
In hindsight, 2019 looks pretty great compared to 2020 so far! If you’re searching for a book to lose yourself in, don’t look any further. 2019 was an amazing year for readers, offering everything from long-awaited sequels to heart-breaking family dramas. It’s hard to list all of them, but we pared it down to 10 books that really blew us away. Bestsellers, and some under-the-radar treasures — you’ll find them here.
Didn’t get to KonMari your place last year? Now is the time.
Clutter can trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can increase tension and anxiety and lead to unhealthy habits, so why not reduce clutter and anxiety in one swoop? Marie Kondo’s four principles — which she calls the KonMari Method — don’t adhere to a “less is more” philosophy but instead encourage the keeping of items, as long as they spark joy. She says, “In my home, I’m surrounded by my favorite things, including 15 pairs of chopstick rests.”
Here is where to donate your items in Chicago, once things are back up and running.
Virtually tour the world’s best museums
Spend some time this week exploring some of the best museums in the world virtually. Google Arts & Culture collection includes the Guggenheim Museum in New York, London’s British Museum and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Local museums are also offering tours and educational content on social media, including MCA Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. The Shedd Aquarium is also doing their part to cheer us up with their Instagram videos of their penguins exploring the empty aquarium.
Take care of yourself
A little fresh air can do wonders, so don’t forget to take care of yourself. Whether it is dusting off the patio furniture so you can read outside, going for a run or working in the yard, remember to get outside. If your form of self care is pampering, many local stores are delivering or offering curb-side pick-up so you can face mask and bubble bath to your heart’s content. If you find you are still struggling with anxiety over the pandemic, there are many mindfulness apps to try out, and even apps that connect you to therapists. Whatever you choose to do, just remember to take care of yourself, especially if you are caring for others.
More from Better:
Here’s How You Can Support Local Businesses During the COVID-19 Shutdown
Coronavirus: What You Need To Know About COVID-19 — Here’s the Latest
Coronavirus Forces Telecommuting: Here’s How to Stay Connected While Working From Home
Macaire Douglas lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two sons. She proudly supports Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns nationwide. Since its inception in 2000, more than 3,600 newborns have been safely surrendered and adopted into loving homes.