Things You Can Do This Weekend Inside

By Patrick Wilson

While increasing numbers of us are spending more time social distancing, attempting to avoid the Coronavirus, we are finding ourselves with a whole lot of time to worry about the situation at hand. Many of us have had a very high stress level since the 2016 election. The ineptness of our government to handle the situation, or even let us know the seriousness of it is apalling. If we are to persist, we need to take care of ourselves.

Yoga

Yoga blends a bit of the mind, body and soul. There are many proven benefits both physically and mentally. Yoga reduces stress. It improves respiration, energy and vitality. Maintains metabolism. Improves cardio and circulatory health. Some studies have shown that yoga helps increase the maximum uptake of oxygen. According to healthline.com, “After a three-month yoga program, the women had significantly lower levels of cortisol. They also had lower levels of stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression.”

Spa Night(or Day)

There are so many times that we wish we had a day or two to nurture our needs. For some, it might be lighting those candles and actually soaking in the tub without thinking about the time. A facial, manicure/pedicure, massage, we can by treating ourselves stay a little healthier. Others might like to organize their space, polish that gear, start to get rid of that extra stuff that’s just sitting around. Cleanse the body, cleanse the house, cleanse the soul.

Read a Book

What a great opportunity after a spa night or day, or even perhaps during, to rekindle our love for books. The smell, the crispness of the pages, the first fold. Letting our imaginations take us to different times and places, learning new things. Maybe pull out that old copy of ‘Rules for Radicals’. This is a great time to read a book.

Have a Party

Having a Party is a social event. Going to a bar/club many times is a social thing. Having tea with the ladies is definitely a social thing. Even that afternoon sesh is a social thing. Just because we can’t do those things in person right now doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the same things virtually/remotely. Facebook live allows you to add other users to your stream which goes out on facebook. There’s also Hangouts(google), and YouTube(also google) which offers ways for you to make that stream public or private(you and your guests).

Live Performance

Many musicians and bands are playing online shows using facebook or other online mediums. They are doing it for good causes. Many of these performances, although free, offer the opportunity to donate a few bucks, which normally goes to struggling artists and the places that they normally perform. Maybe you haven’t performed in a while, but why not. People are doing it informally in the comfort of their kitchen or living room. You don’t even have to be a musical artist. Now is a great time to share our passions.

Do a Cooking Show

Have something that you’re really good at making? We all have plenty of devices that are connected to social media. Why not get things organized and do a facebook live and teach others how to make your dish too. People are able to interact with your stream as well, so this is also great social interaction. If you can’t break bread together, why not kinda make it together this way.

Play Board Games

If you’re at home with family and loved ones, think about pulling out some of those old dusty board games. Sooner or later you are going to want to do something besides stare at television and computer/device screens, and board games offer not only a diversion from the news but an opportunity to interact on other subjects. With televised sporting events canceled, those that like to wager are finding different outlets for their entertainment.

Germinate Seeds

Marijuana is legal now in many states. Thank Goodness, right?! In many states, it’s also legal to grow your own. In the northeast, it’s about the right time to start seedlings. This is very simple to do. You obviously have to get some seeds. I would recommend buying some legally, that way you at least have an idea what you are going to get. There are tons of how-to videos and instructions online that can help you with the process. Grow and Share. This is also a great time to germinate flowers and vegetables for planting in spring.

Make a Podcast or VideoBlog

Are you a media junkie? Do you have expertise in an area that is of public interest and pertinent? Maybe you teach a college course or two. Share your knowledge as it relates to current events. You can help to not only educate the public, but also give diminished voices a place to be heard. There are many simple ways that you can do this using your phone, tablet or computer.

Take an Online Class

Students around the world are going to be continuing their educations online for the near future. Part of our health is our mental health, and nourishing the mind is as important as the body. It doesn’t matter what your age or educational level is, there are free educational opportunities online that are structured and will allow you to learn valuable new skills.