As we enter our second week of “quarantine” (kudos to those of you who isolated before the Governor’s order), we are sort of finding our groove. Daily life is much different now—days melt together, work-from-home life is seemingly endless and it’s still cold out. To help you beat the cabin fever, we have rounded up some activities that will keep your spirits up and most of all, keep your mind off of things for a bit.
Watch new movies on demand
Since movie theaters had to shut down, many new movies have been released for rent on streaming services, or have skipped the theater completely to go straight to digital. Disney released Onward, which hit theaters just earlier this month and Birds of Prey is already number two on iTunes. Our pick? The suspense-filled Invisible Man, starring Elisabeth Moss.
Connect with family & friends
There is no replacement for human connection, but if you have already scheduled a Zoom happy hour or tried House Party with friends, you know how uplifting it can be. So, let’s make this a regular thing. Maybe you are cooking with friends on Saturday mornings, or connecting with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile. The one thing about the quarantine is that we have nothing but time now, so go ahead and slow down.
Here are some apps we love for connecting.
Escape with a book
With many of us glued to our phones and screens, it is important to make time for other fulfilling things, like reading. Books will help you escape reality, for a little while at least, and they can provide inspiration and positivity to your daily life. While our local book stores are closed as they are not an “essential business,” you can download many audio or e-books from your local library. If you are looking for recommendations, here are six new releases we love.
Here is another fun idea – start your own virtual book club!
Do some spring cleaning while catching up on a great podcast
We’re calling it — it’s time to put away the winter clothes, and you might as well continue with a deep clean on your entire closet. After all, it is the perfect mindless activity to keep you busy while you listen to a great podcast. If you have items to donate, set them aside to drop off once the “stay-at-home” order is lifted.
Here are 7 podcasts we are loving right now.
Master the Spanish Tortilla
It may seem simple, but there is an art to perfecting the Spanish tortilla—a tender, fluffy and sometimes gently browned egg dish. The recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients: eggs, potatoes and onions. Serve in slices hot or at room temperature with a simple salad, crusty bread, and a glass of wine.
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
What Is It Really Like to Have Coronavirus? Patients Share Their Stories
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.
