Create... how to make it through quarantine.
April 24, 2020
If you’ve ever dreamed of an endless stay-cation, enjoying the comfort of your own home with limitless solitude, you have probably discovered that it isn’t as dreamy as you envisioned. My family has found that the comforts of our home have become incredibly mundane. I’ve burned through Netflix and Hulu and have had just about enough of Tiger King memes. I decided to explore some creative ways to pass the time. Here are some suggestions from what I’ve learned along the way.
Brush off your blues... and greens and reds
My 11-year old daughter and I found some blank canvasses that we had in our garage and decided to break out all our crafting and paint supplies. While we weren't sure where to begin, I decided to Google some tutorials on painting. Meanwhile, I really wanted to fill a blank wall I have in my house so I plan to create a larger peice.
I am a fan of bright colors and anything "Lily Pulitzer" so when I happened upon these series of YouTube videos it hit my sweet spot. Being a beginner, this was also right up my alley. We decided to play around with a few smaller canvasses and media paper. The outcome was fun, inventive abstract art.The outcome was more than I could have imagined. Here is a link to the tutorials that we used and a few photos of our artwork.
Dance, Dance, Dance
Take this time to learn a dance with your child, or just with yourself! If you have the kids at home, chances are they the Tik Tok app. This is so entertaining, funny and kids love it! Take if from Lebron James and his family as they have been creating a few of these. Or check out Jessica Alba's account as she has been recently dancing with her daughters. If you don't know where to start, I'm sure your kids will show you the way or you can watch some Tik Tok dance tutorials here. Dance like no one watching, because they aren't! If you're brave enough, share the video or just send to your family for a few laughs.
Virtual Happy Hours and Hangouts
We have redefined togetherness with this technology. Zoom meetings aren't just for business anymore. In the age of COVID-19, Zoom is how many of us, including my family, have been connecting over the past few weeks. I am one of 7 children, so imagine the amount of texting and calls I make on a weekly basis just to stay in touch with my siblings. You don't have to have a large family to make it fun, so invite your classmates, neighbors, alumni and friends from the gym you haven't been able to see in a month. Celebrate the March, April and May birthdays or dress up in costumes, eat snacks, sing, laugh and connect in whatever way works best. Help older relatives or friends get set up so that they can join too. Check out these tips: How to have Zoom parties that are actually fun and How to use Zoom like a pro: 13 hidden features to try at your next meeting
Forget Technology and Pick Up a Pen
The post office is open and delivering mail daily. Maybe you want to meet your inner Brontë, or simply just want to send a sweet note to your friends and family. Now more than ever is a wonderful time to show others you are thinking of them. The Governor's Executive Order does allow for travel to your mailbox and your notes can be short and sweet. Imagine their pleasant surprise when your parents or grandparents receive a handwritten letter from you instead of the usual text message. Bring a smile to someone's face - I know whenever I get a card in the mail it brightens my day. Here are some cute cards you can make yourself or try using a variety of markers.
Share Your Talents
I've spent some time recently enjoying the livestreams from Melissa Etheridge (every night at 6 pm on Facebook during quarantine), and many other celebrities are doing the same - showcasing their talents for all to enjoy online. But, you don't have to be famous to share your talents. Want to turn your creation or a family recipe into social media gold? Create a cooking tutorial for that meatball or chocolate cake recipe your friends always rave about. Dust off your guitar, tune it up, and play something! The audience is captive and just waiting for you. Check out these helpful tips.
Take a Virtual Tour
Consider exploring places you have never experience before - virtually! The Billings Farm & Museum recently posted a livestream of their newborn Black Copper chicks. They also have crafts, videos and other resources available on their website and Facebook or Instagram pages. There are still ways to enjoy a cultural experience of a museum from your home. Google Arts & Culture teamed up with museums all over the world to bring you virtual tours of their exhibits. Here are some options to explore: Travel and Leisure Virtual tours or Hello Giggle's European Palaces
Journal Your Feelings Out
Create a digital journal or put pen to paper. Share your feelings and your experience with quarantine during the age of COVID-19. Journaling is so therapeutic. If you are feeling the anxiety of being cooped up or just anxious about work and family, this can be a great way to relax your mind and let go. Write down what is troubling you but remember to also write down what your grateful for. I personally find this so satisfying. The journal I am currently using is Best Self. Give it a try or use a blank journal and create one yourself.
So, stay in and create something or learn a silly dance and go live with your friends. Be sure to check in on your introverted friends or invite them to join your virutal fun. Whatever you decide to do, stay connected and creative. The sun will come out tomorrow.
Janine Silvaroli
Marketing & Communications
United Way of Charlotte County