Hello everyone, I hope you’re all practicing social distancing, and keeping safe and healthy during these turbulent times. Earlier this month, I had posted a Bookish Events post, as I do most months, describing upcoming NYC events. As all of these events have now been postponed or cancelled, and group gatherings are no longer advisable, I wanted to give you guys a few digital alternatives instead. I know limiting social gatherings can be hard, especially now that the weather is getting warmer. But it’s important that we follow the recommendations laid out by the World Health Organization, and do what we can to help stem the spread of COVID-19 and protect those at risk. Below are a few ways to keep yourselves busy indoors.
obé fitness
I’m fortunate to have the capacity to have started working from home since this outbreak started. But on my first day remote, I think I got up from my dining room desk all of three times. If I give myself the benefit of the doubt, I think I might have taken 1,000 steps that day — maybe. I knew that couldn’t be good for my body, and it certainly couldn’t have been good for my sanity. So when my friend recommended obé fitness, I signed up. The site is currently offering 1 month free with the coupon code: ATHOME. It offers live, virtual fitness classes from 6 AM – 1:30 PM every weekday. And live, virtual classes from 8 AM – 3:30 PM every weekend. Cant make those times? There’s a large catalog of On Demand videos in everything from yoga, to cardio kickboxing, to strength training. For all you former gym rats out there, it’s a good way to transition to working out from home.
edx
A great site to take some free educational classes — I constantly find myself looking over their Literature section. Below is a list of some of the courses that I thought looked particularly interesting. If anyone signs up for one, please let me know! Sometimes I need a virtual buddy to help keep me motivated.
- Masterpieces of World Literature
- Fairy Tales: Meanings, Messages, and Morals
- Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature
jackbox games
Has anyone else tried having any virtual hangouts yet? Sometimes, they can get awkward really quickly. I’m not sure if it’s the video lag or connectivity issues, but video conferencing can create some long uncomfortable silences in a way that in person meetings don’t seem to. So it helps to have an activity — that way you’re not just starting at peoples faces. I’ve been using jackbox with my friends and it’s worked pretty well so far. One person buys a virtual game, that they then own, and the rest of their friends can play it with them for free. The games are easy to learn, and all you need to play is internet access.
Reading
If you still need activities to help you through this rough time, there’s always this classic. I’m about to start Love in the Time of Cholera, because I’ve been meaning to read it for years, and really could there be a more appropriate time than now? What have you all been reading? Share in the comments below. We’d love to hear!
Is social distancing freeing up your calendar? Email blog@wnba-nyc.org to contribute your own article to our website!
Still got some time? Why not read about some kick-ass women.
