Things to do while you're in Lockdown
- Emily Adair
- Apr 6, 2020
- 6 min read
I know many of you out there are going absolutely mental being stuck in your homes during this lockdown. Many of us aren't used to this isolation and being so disconnected from the world. I am currently on Day 22 of being stuck indoors and you would think I would be completely bored out of my mind, but actually I'm doing okay. Sure, we all have our bad days where it's a real struggle to do anything at all but it's good to try and see the positives. This isolation period has forced people to think creatively, to think of new ideas to still run their businesses, raise money or awareness and help people to not feel lonely. I think the results have been amazing. As a yachtie who is away from home most of the year, I don't normally have a lot of time on my hands to do dance classes or have video call board game nights. But because everyone is in this together I feel more connected than ever. Sure, video chatting and live streams of concerts is not the same as the real thing, but it's a great consolation prize and I don't think any of these ideas would have come about if it wasn't for this lockdown. In a strange sort of way I'm grateful for this time, I'm chatting to my friends so much more than normal, museums and zoos are creating virtual tours and theatres are uploading shows. Places I would never visited are now accessible from my sofa, and I think that's awesome.
So here is my list of things I have found that are keeping me entertained during this odd time.
1. Online Stretch Classes
If you read my first post you would know that before I became a stewardess I was an actor/singer. I was a part of a community of creatives in Cape Town and since being away, I have watched many of them flourish into gorgeous instructors, tutors and coaches. A lot of them are now offering free fitness and wellness classes via Zoom. What a fantastic time to learn how to do back bends and middle splits and all sorts. Two lovely ladies who are offering classes are; @iamjessicafrances who is offering free advanced and beginner splits and back bend classes and @miss.esch who is offering flexibility and stretch training aimed at professional dancers with advanced flexibility, beginners and candidates with injuries. So there's really something for everyone! And I'm sure they wouldn't be opposed to you buying them a coffee when this is all over to say thank you. We all know the struggles after all.
2. Virtual Zoo Tours
A lot of Zoos around the world are doing virtual tours. Chester Zoo in England does a live stream on their Facebook and Youtube channel but don't worry if you've missed it, they have them uploaded on Youtube for you to enjoy whenever. For the date and times for specific exhibits check out their website.
San Diego Zoo has live camera feeds of some of their main exhibits to 'bring the zoo to you' and Cincinnati Zoo has live feedings on their Facebook page everyday at 9PM (GMT+2). Links Below.
3. Free Online Theatre
National Theatre At Home has started a fantastic new initiative where they are allowing audiences to view West End Theatre for free. Each week they upload a different play to Youtube which will enable audiences to stream the professionally filmed play for free for seven days.
On The Show Must Go On Youtube channel THE Andrew Lloyd Webber announced that they will be releasing a full length smash-hit musical every Friday for Musical Lovers to enjoy for free for 48 hours. A perfect start to the weekend.
4. Live Performances on Instagram and Facebook
Celebs are really coming through for us at the moment, entertaining us from their homes and trying their best to make the most of this situation, there are quite a lot of celebs that are doing live shows at the moment, some just for fun and some to raise money and awareness about the current pandemic. My top three are:
The Kat and Dave Show
Actress Katharine McPhee and her husband music producer David Foster do an Instagram live on her profile @katharinefoster. There is no specific day when they do these performances but she does announce when their next show will be the day before. I normally watch it on Katharine's profile the next day as it lasts for 24 hours after it's been filmed. They do a variety of songs, including Smash, Disney and some of David's greatest hits. It's funny, it's silly and it always makes me smile.
Global Citizen
Global Citizen has teamed up with The World Health Organisation's Covid-19's Response Fund to raise money for the current pandemic. The virtual concert was put in place to promote global health and social distancing. Artists who has participated thus far include One Republic, John Legend, Chris Martin, Charlie Puth and many more. You can find these videos on Youtube by typing in Together at Home Concert.
5. Quar Eye with Queer Eye's Antoni Porowski
Antoni has taken it upon himself to create his own mini cooking show on his Instagram. He teaches us healthy recipes, with punny titles to help us get through the quarantine. What I love about him is he also shows you creative ways to use your leftovers so you can limit the amount of times you go to the shops and of course because he is Antoni and we love all the Queer Eye fellas. You can find all the episodes on his Instagram account @antoni
6. House Party
Think Skype but better. House Party is this awesome app that let you speak to eight people at a time. It also has fun little extras like trivia and games to keep things entertaining. Grab some wine and some buddies, add a little imagination and it's almost like you're winning that pub quiz again.
7. Online Bored Games
If you're anything like my family then you love bored games. Unfortunately I'm not with them at the moment but that's not going to stop me! There are so many options out there; online chess, scrabble, dots and boxes and endless card games are just a few options you can download.
8. Masterclass
This option has probably been the thing that has been occupying most of my time recently unfortunately it is not free and it's also not cheap. But what's the cost of learning? Masterclass is an online school full of masterclasses from celebrities. Think cooking with Gordon Ramsay, makeup with Bobbi Brown, singing with Christina Aguilera, acting with Natalie Portman and so so many more. It offers 80+ classes (and counting) with each 'subject' holding an average of 20 classes. There is such a mixed bag of things on here and it has been so interesting learning from the experts.
9. Virtual Game Drive with Kruger National Park
This has to be the most epic thing. Kruger National Park has decided to bring the wildlife to you by taking you on a live virtual game drive. The way they have set this up actually makes you feel like you are on your own private game drive (if you have a little imagination). The guides still answer questions you might have and as it's a game drive you never know what animals you are going to see that day so it's a little different from the virtual zoo tours I mentioned earlier. Link below.
10. Free dance classes with Strictly Come Dancing's Oti Mabuse
This is a good bit of fun if you want a creative way to get off your sofa and get fit. Oti Mabuse is hosting free dance classes on Youtube for adults and for children. The classes are fun and not too difficult (the fabulous thing is, you can watch them later and pause them if you get stuck) so it's a great opportunity if you want to learn a little bit of rhythm or if you wanted a little taste of what those Strictly Come Dancing celebs go through. She does a range of styles from salsa to jive to pasa doble so there's something for everyone.
11. Courses
Linking back to Yachting, for all my stewardess readers who are stuck on yachts with no guests or waiting at home for the season to start, check out some online butler courses. There are a couple of websites doing free or heavily discounted butler and etiquette courses and I highly recommend doing some. It looks great on your CV and any form of training makes you look proactive.
I hope that out of these eleven ideas at least one of them will help keep you entertained for the next few weeks. But remember, you don't need to feel guilty for not being productive or learning a new skill. We're all just trying to navigate our way through this weird time. Stay safe, stay inside and stay positive.
Links
Chester Zoo
San Diego Zoo
Cincinnati Zoo
National Theatre At Home
The Show Must Go On
Global Citizen
Free Butler Training
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