Fight Quarantine Boredom with these Five Tips

As the world fights to slow the spread of the coronavirus many of us are staying home, practicing social distancing, and quarantining. While remaining inside is necessary right now, some of us may find ourselves struggling to adjust to our new normal. With this unexpected downtime comes new opportunities to reconnect with yourself, and others at a whole new level. So, whether you’re at home alone or quarantining with family we’ve collected 5 awesome suggestions to keep you entertained, connected, and happy.

Explore the past

Open antique book with reading glasses and a small travel clock on a wooden table, evoking family history and nostalgia

It can bring great comfort to connect with the past and remind yourself and others (especially kids) that this is not the first time the world has had to deal with uncertainty. Reflecting on the challenging times our ancestors endured and how they overcame it can truly be an inspiration for us all and a great reminder that this too shall pass. We all have someone in our family tree that lived through a significant event in history. Use this time to take a deeper look at your family history perhaps you have a direct relative who lived through smallpox, 1918 flu pandemic, or the great depression. Digging up old pictures, and historical records can be a great way to pass the time, learn more about where you come from, and remind us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Ancestry.com, opens in a new tab

Family Search, opens in a new tab

Free ancestry research guides, opens in a new tab

Go On Virtual Tours

Four large carved faces on a granite cliff lit by warm sunlight, close-up view

For some of us, the reality of not being able to travel and explore has been a difficult one. Luckily, amazing virtual adventures are just a click away. These virtual gems may be just what you were looking for to satisfy your need for wanderlust. From the comfort of your home, the world is literally at your fingertips. Pack your imaginary bags, pick a destination and go on a fun, exciting virtual vacation creating wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

World Destinations

Great Wall of China, opens in a new tab

National Parks

Chicago, opens in a new tab

Europe’s Famous Castles, opens in a new tab

Bucket List Attractions, opens in a new tab

Banksy’s Street Art, opens in a new tab

Las Vegas Neon Museum, opens in a new tab

Free Broadway Musicals (limited time), opens in a new tab

Hawaii’s Volcanoes, opens in a new tab

Livestream the Northern Lights, opens in a new tab

D.C. Cherry Blossoms  

Meet up with your family and friends virtually

Hang out with your family and friends while practicing social distancing. Fortunately, in today’s world, social distancing doesn’t have to mean complete isolation. There are so many apps and websites available to help keep you connected to the ones you love. Communication is far beyond just talking on the phone, texting, or emailing you can now virtually connect and see your loved ones. 

Person wearing earbuds holds smartphone showing a masked friend on a video call at a home desk with a laptop in the background

Stay connected with

Skype, opens in a new tab

Zoom, opens in a new tab

Google Hangouts, opens in a new tab

FB messenger, opens in a new tab

Houseparty

Host a virtual game night with these fun games available through the App Store and Google Play Store

Monopoly App Store, opens in a new tab Google Play Store, opens in a new tab

Mario Kart Tour - App Store, opens in a new tab Google Play Store, opens in a new tab

Scrabble Go - App Store, opens in a new tab Google Play Store, opens in a new tab

UNO Online - App Store, opens in a new tab Google Play Store, opens in a new tab

Digital Clue - App Store, opens in a new tab Google Play Store, opens in a new tab

Participate in celebrity-hosted events

Hand holding smartphone showing Instagram Live split-screen with two people chatting and visible LIVE badge against blurred green background

With sporting events canceled, concerts postponed, and movie theaters shut down celebrities are using their time to give us some much-needed entertainment. From live-stream performances, online classes, and hilarious TikTok/ YouTube Videos. Below are some trending hashtags and links that are sure to keep you entertained for hours

Click here for a list of upcoming celebrity performances, opens in a new tab

Instagram

#togetherathome, opens in a new tab

#savewithstories, opens in a new tab

#CookingInACrisis, opens in a new tab

#StayAtHomeChallenge, opens in a new tab

Twitter

@broadwaycares, opens in a new tab

#sunshinesongs, opens in a new tab

#stayathomechallenge, opens in a new tab

#MyPandemicSurvivalPlan, opens in a new tab

Learn how to cook new foods

Young woman rolling dough on a red-and-white checkered tablecloth in a cozy home kitchen

Unless you’ve been living on fast food and takeout, you’re probably doing a lot more cooking. Now’s the perfect time to try that recipe you’ve been meaning to cook for years or try your hand at cooking food from other cultures. With endless cooking tutorials/classes on YouTube making a great meal that you’re proud of has never been easier. Check out some of our favorite cooking videos below.

Gordan Ramsay’s 5 basic cooking skills, opens in a new tab

Tasty’s, opens in a new tab

Cooking hacks that will make you love cooking, opens in a new tab

Joanne Gains Quarantine Cooking, opens in a new tab

Cooking with Sonny, opens in a new tab