Hi everyone!
With the current COVID-19 self-isolation and quarantines taking place, The Michael Stuart Webb Team felt that it would be helpful to provide you with a series of tips to help keep you occupied, and cabin fever at bay, during these days of isolation.
Isolation Tip #1:
Read a book!
As much as these times are arduous and trying, it doesn’t mean that you can’t escape into a beautiful story. Here is a list of the top read books this year!
Happy reading!
Click here → https://www.newyorker.com/culture/2019-in-review/the-best-books-of-2019
Isolation Tip #2:
Binge watch a series!
There is nothing like sitting down to watch a great series on your favourite streaming service!
Here is a list of top binge-worthy series on Netflix today!
Happy Watching!
Click here → https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/g31578949/best-tv-shows-on-netflix/
Isolation Tip #3:
Rock out!
Many artists have decided to stream concerts online in response to performance dates being cancelled or to provide relief during these difficult times.
Here is a list of upcoming streaming performances!
Click here → https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown
Isolation Tip #4:
Video chat with a friend or a family member!
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we sometimes find it difficult to find time to connect with those we care about. Take advantage of the marvels of technology and catch up with an old friend or a family member in a video chat or phone call!
Isolation Tip #5:
Keep a journal!
Keeping a journal or diary is a great way to help you process your thoughts and emotions. Find a notebook or even a blank piece of paper a record your thoughts and ideas daily. You may be surprised at what you discover. Below is a basic walkthrough of some types of journals and best practices!
Click here → https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Journal
Isolation Tip #6:
Learn a new skill!
With a lot of us finding extra time on our hands, it may be a good time to try and learn a new skill that you have always wanted to learn. For example; playing a song on an instrument, knitting, or maybe a new work based skill that helps you to be more proficient at your job.
Isolation Tip #7:
Tell a story!
People have been telling stories for thousands of years and we continue to do so today through a variety of mediums. Whether you want to “kick it old school” and sit around a flashlight on the floor or head to your favourite social media platform to tell a great story online, this is sure to pass the time and entertain yourself and those around you.
Isolation Tip #8:
Practice meditation!
There are many different kinds of meditation to practice, all of which with their own benefits. Perhaps the most common of which is Mindfulness meditation which helps you to live in “the present” or the “now” and to manage your thoughts through breathing exercises.
Here is a link to a short guide on Mindfulness Meditation!
Click here → https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/
Isolation Tip #9:
Workout from home!
“Do you even lift bro?” Just because you’re cooped up indoors doesn’t mean you can’t work on your “beach bod” or simply practice some basic exercises to keep fit.
Here is a link to a list of 25 exercises you can do from home!
Click here → https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/6593/top-25-at-home-exercises/
Isolation Tip #10
Make a gourmet meal!
Assuming that you have all the necessary supplies, attempt to be the next Gordan Ramsey and make a beautiful meal for yourself or your family! If you do not have all the necessary supplies to make a magazine-worthy meal, then simply think small and light a candle...who said a beautiful candlelit dinner was about the food anyway?
Here is a link to 10 gourmet recipes for you to try at home!
Click here → https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/quick-easy/chef-recipes-easy
Isolation Tip #11
Play Heads Up!
If you haven’t already heard of it, Heads Up is a Smartphone game by Ellen DeGeneres that you can play with your family. Much like in Charades, you give hints about the subject shown on the screen to the person holding the phone to their head and they must guess the keyword, subject, etc.. The goal? Get as many correct as you can before the timer runs out! Choose from a variety of decks with a variety of subjects to spark anyone’s interest. An added bonus, your phone records video of all the fun to review afterwards for a good laugh.
Good luck!
Download for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/heads-up/id623592465
Download for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wb.headsup
Isolation Tip #12
Do arts and crafts!
No matter your age, there is simply something special about taking a minute to make something with your hands for no other good reason than to be creative. Here is a list of crafts you can do at home with your family to help pass the time!
Have fun with it!
https://www.favecrafts.com/Most-Popular-Crafts/Crafts-to-Do-When-Bored#section32920972
Isolation Tip #13
Play a board game!
Since I can remember, board games have been a great way to bring the family together! So dust off Sorry or Yahtzee and let’s get this party started!
Don’t have a board game or anyone to play with? No worries, Here is a website with a few online games you can play. You can play against the computer or a real person! https://cardgames.io/yahtzee/
Isolation Tip #14
Learn a new language like Spanish or ASL!
Why not take advantage of being cooped up to better yourself? Learn a language that you have always wanted to learn to speak. Or, even better, learn sign language!
Here is a link to a great tool to help you to learn sign language!
Isolation Tip #15
Write a poem, book, or short story.
I think if any of us were to dig deep enough we would find a wordsmith in all of us. Why not try to write a poem to express how you are feeling or to woo a loved one. Maybe a story is more your taste, write fiction or non-fiction, sci-fi or adventure...the sky is the limit.
Here is an article on how to write a short story: https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-short-story/
Isolation Tip #16
Re-arrange your furniture.
It’s time for a change! Being stuck in your home can make you feel stir crazy. Mix up your space by rearranging your furniture or redecorating. Not only will you occupy yourself and get exercise, but you’ll have a newly refreshed space and a feeling of accomplishment.
Isolation Tip #17
Support a local business by ordering take-out.
Take a load off! Even though many essential services have now closed, many local restaurants are still offering takeout and delivery with contactless delivery options. Our personal favourite is SkipTheDishes! So order yourself and your family a fun meal and reminisce!
Isolation Tip #18
Learn calligraphy.
Take some time and learn the art of calligraphy. The next time you write a letter you are sure to blow the socks off of people with your beautiful penmanship.
Here’s a tutorial to get you started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBoVGqiSzr4
Isolation Tip #19
Have a ritzy virtual dinner party.
Organize a virtual dinner with friends. Dress up in your best dress or suit and use video calling services to chat over dinner. To make it more interesting have everyone prepare the same dish.
Bon appétit!
Isolation Tip #20
Practice your Karaoke.
Turn all your amps to 11 and let it rip! Turn your living room into Wembley Stadium by streaming Karaoke songs on your laptop or TV. No need for a mic, just sing into your hairbrush.
Enjoy, Superstar!
Here is a great channel on YouTube for Karaoke hits! https://www.youtube.com/user/singkingkaraoke
Isolation Tip #21
Become a photographer!Almost everybody owns a smartphone today, and that smartphone just so happens to be packaged with a pretty powerful camera. Start small by taking photos of objects in your home and work your way up to photographing family members.
Here is a link to an article on the basics of photography. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/good-pictures-phone-tips
Isolation Tip #22
Put your green thumb to the test!Plant some seeds and prepare for spring. Whether you’re planting some vegetables or some beautiful flowers, it’s sure to put a smile on your face and leave you feeling accomplished.
Here is a link to get you started. http://www.urbancultivator.net/how-to-start-seedlings-indoors/
Isolation Tip #23
Complete a challenging puzzle!
There is a great sense of satisfaction that comes from completing a puzzle. Give your brain a little workout by completing a puzzle!
Here is a link to some online Jigsaw Puzzles - https://www.jigsawplanet.com/
Isolation Tip #24
Practice Yoga!
There is no time like the present to start working on you! Try some basic Yoga poses and make sure to move at your own pace...you don’t want to pull a muscle.
Here is a link to a few basic poses for beginners! https://youtu.be/8lC_G1d7Bis
Isolation Tip #25
Learn the art of origami!
Why not learn a fun craft like origami? Find some extra paper around the house and start folding your way to your next great creation!
Here’s a great link to a bunch of different Origami creations! https://www.origami-fun.com/origami-instructions.html
Isolation Tip #26
Learn a mysterious magic trick!
Magic is a great way to break the ice and a fun way to pass the time. Learn a basic magic trick like a card trick to start!
Here’s a great link to 10 simple tricks you can do at home! https://youtu.be/BEmfgg2oQRc
Isolation Tip #27
Make a short film!
Write, produce, direct and star in your own short film!
You don’t need a fancy camera to make a short film, just a good idea, some time, and some vision. Now put your film making genius to the test, and set your inner Spielberg free!
Here’s a link to get you started. https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Short-Film
Isolation Tip #28
Play a video game!
Video games are a great way to entertain yourself and pass the time but be sure not to sit and play for too long. Dust of your old Nintendo or fire up the Xbox, either way, you’re sure to be on the edge of your seat in no time at all.
Have fun!
Isolation Tip #29
Make a time capsule for your family.
Find some form of waterproof vessel and fill it with items that are special to you today. The content of your time capsule is sure to blow the socks off of a future generation when it is dug up and opened 20 years from now.
Here is a link on how to make your very own time capsule. https://youtu.be/n5eL81RXxXE
Isolation Tip #30
Take an online class!
Take this time to do some upgrading. Learn a new professional skill or better existing skills by taking an online class. A quick Google search will reveal a plethora of available classes.
Happy learning!
Isolation Tip #31
Tackle that renovation project that you’ve been putting off!
Take advantage of the extra time you have on your hands and start that renovation project that you have been putting off. Not only are you keeping yourself occupied, but you are improving your investment.
Isolation Tip #32
Do a Spring cleanup of your yard.
Spring is springing. What better time to get out in the garden to do some spring cleanup to get ready for Spring planting season.
Don’t forget to stretch!
Isolation Tip #33
Stage an indoor picnic.
Make the best of self-isolation and social distancing by staging an indoor picnic! It’s still a tad chilly out, but you may choose to have the picnic in your backyard as well.
Enjoy!
Isolation Tip #34
Try your hand at baking!.
Unleash your inner Baker by making a delicious batch of cookies or a pie to enjoy with your household. Here is a link to some simple recipes to try.
https://www.foodandwine.com/cooking-techniques/baking/beginner-baking-recipes
Isolation Tip #35
Make your very own scrapbook.
Making a scrapbook is a fun and easy exercise. Start by taking old photos and arranging them on a sheet of a blank notebook of some form. Spice to taste by cutting out passages or writing phrases to give your scrapbook some extra flare. Lastly, adhere your masterpiece with a glue of your choice. We recommend Scrapbooker’s Glue!
Here is a great video on making scrapbooks. https://youtu.be/yod4OmEmIPk
Thanks for reading,
The Michael Stuart Webb Team