Nothing to Do?
Given the uncertainty of the current viral outbreak many of us are self-isolating or practicing “social distancing” to prevent spreading the disease any further. For some, this means working from home, for other people it means not being able to go to work, and still others are caught somewhere in between. Regardless of what this situation means for your ‘work’ schedule, this pandemic has left a lot of us with seemingly limited options to entertain ourselves and socialize. But is there really ‘nothing’ for you to do?
Take some advice from me, as (being an only child) I grew up accustomed to a more solitary existence and found many different ways of passing the time. Now, with the advent of high-speed internet, and the endless supply of streaming videos and entertainment to be had on the world wide web, there is absolutely no reason to become bored while ‘social distancing.’ Below are my suggests for different activities that will help you pass the time and fight off feeling isolated. Remember: we’re all in this together!
Call a Friend
No, I didn’t say text. Call. You know, pick up your telephone and actually talk to the person on the other end… Okay you can Skype, Facetime, or whatever else suits your fancy, but seriously, there is no excuse for not taking time to actually keep in touch with your friends and family via a good old-fashioned chat. I remember when I got my first phone (this was before texting y’all), it was one of those super ‘90s slinky phones, and I would spend hours talking with friends… Now, with social media, I think we’ve all gotten a little complaisant, and since many of us don’t live across the hall from our Friends (1994-2004), we have to make a little bit more of an effort to keep in touch.
Binge-Watch a New Show
There. Are. So. Many. TV. Shows. And, basically, all of them are streaming. Here’s a quick list of what I’m looking forward to watching: Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu), Picard (CBS All Access), and The Mandalorian (Disney+). What’s even better than watching a show by yourself is that you can live chat with your friends while watching Netflix using the new “Netflix Party” extension on Google Chrome. A win-win in my book.
Have a Movie Night
With the outbreak shutting down all places where people gather, going to see a movie in a theater is not an option… But, thankfully, several production companies are launching current theatrical releases as streaming rentals, so you can stay at home and treat yourself to a ‘night at the movies.’ The current selection on Amazon’s “Prime Video Cinema” includes Disney/Pixar’s Onward (2020), plus Universal Pictures’ The Invisible Man (2020), Emma. (2020), and The Hunt (2020). So, make yourself some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy a ‘theater’ experience from the comfort of your own couch.
Try a New Recipe
Between online recipes, YouTube how-to videos, and challenges featured on shows like Nailed It! (Netflix, 2018-Present), there is plenty of gastronomic inspiration to go around. Rope your family, kids, or significant other into helping out in the kitchen. Try something new and have fun while whipping up some new concoction.
Learn a Foreign Language
I love watching travel TV shows. I grew up watching PBS staples, like Rick Steves’ Europe (2000-Present), and have always dreamed about traveling. While that won’t be happening anytime soon… You can work on learning a new foreign language. Nowadays, there are plenty of free resources, and even classes, that you can use to help build foundational and speaking skills in pretty much any language. I highly recommend the MOOCs (massive open online classes) on sites like www.edx.org as well as the Duolingo app (or website www.duolingo.com). Put in about half an hour a day of practice and you’ll be speaking a new language in no time.
Play Some Games
Board games, card games, video games, drinking games… I haven’t met a game yet that I haven’t liked. Games are a great way to have fun and pass the time. Lately, as in the past 24 hours, I’ve been roaming my own ‘deserted’ island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, via the Nintendo Switch. I can’t think of a more fitting scenario, given our current circumstances… That being said, if games aren’t your thing, and you’d prefer some less involved entertainment, try watching films like Clue (1985), or the twisted game of hide-and-seek in Ready or Not (2019), you won’t be disappointed.
I hope you’ve found this list inspiring, but I want to know: what do you do to pass the time? What TV shows and movies are you currently watching? How are you finding ways of being social while staying in isolation? Share your thoughts and comments below, and don’t forget to join us for our discussion of all things “Into the Woods” the end of next week!
Copyright © 2020 Sarah Crane
