An Extrovert’s Guide to Staying Inside

With COVID-19 upon us in the US and the need for social distancing, it’s imperative that we be good citizens and stay at home. Here are some activities from me to you, to help you from going stir crazy.

Technological

• Catch up on that show you’ve been meaning to watch (New Girl and The Outsider are my current favorites. Range.)
• Listen to an audiobook (Audible has a free 30-day membership) or start a new podcast (obsessed with My Favorite Murrrrrrrrder)
• Do a virtual workout – many gyms and trainers are offering classes for little to no fee
• Host a hangout – Google Hangouts is free in the U.S. and allows up to 25 people to video chat at once
• Order meal delivery – this is blurring the lines a bit, but hey, you’ll be able to see another human being for a few brief minutes!

Old-School

• Read a book that’s been sitting on your shelf (my current read: Good Omens)
• Deep clean your home
• Finally start that new hobby (Need inspiration? Try embroidery! Find sassy cross stitch kits here, less inappropriate embroidery kits here and here)
• Practice that guitar that’s sitting in the corner
• If you’re sequestered in a household, break out a board game or puzzle (Pandemic is especially apropos)

Social

• Pick up the phone – call your mom, call your friend, call anyone and everyone. If you would rather die a slow death than talk on the phone, text.
• Find a new group – Facebook and other social media is overrun with panic right now, but the few mom groups I’m a part of have been islands of calm. You can find a group for anything on FB; it’s a great way to make new friends who have similar interests!

What are your plans for staying sane while staying at home?

For Kids

Here are some crowd pleasers for most young kidlets (that are Ivy-approved):

• Mega Blocks
• Bubbles
• Wooden puzzles
• Fisher-Price Blocks bundle
• Put them in water (give them a bath)
• Take them outside, making sure you stay at least six feet from any other walkers (more on these last two here)

UPDATE! Here are some other fun free things you can do at home:

• Tour National Parks from your device with Google Earth
• Virtually tour museums with Google Arts & Culture
• Color free Disney-inspired pages from Foolish Mortal Supply; find some for the kiddos from Crayola
• Stream Broadway shows with seven-day trial from Broadway HD
• Guided dance/movement sessions with The Thriving Body; Yoga with Adriene is also wonderful, and has a lot of skill levels and options!