Things to do while self isolating, adults and kids!

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Figured I'd start a thread and compile a list of things people are doing, or have found to do, while self-isolating. I figure that the more ideas and options there are in one place, the easier this will be for everyone to get through.

So, let's kick it off!

  • Crafting like crochet, knitting, sewing, felting, painting, rug making, etc.

  • Getting out into the garden. The weeds won’t stand a chance.

  • Plant some seeds and watch them grow into food for you/the family. Depending on what seeds you plant, this could be a short or a long activity.
  • Jigsaw puzzles. Once done with the ones you've got, do a no contact swap with someone else so you've got more to keep you busy.

  • Practice your musical instrument. Amazon probably have some new books for you to learn some new tunes from!

  • Sing along a YouTube to entertain yourself, and the neighbours!

  • Write a memoir of your life.

  • Write a poem, short story, novel, etc. Whatever is in your head.
  • With the kids, why not start a family newpaper? You could write it, draw it, and stick it all together. Do one a week, one a day, whatever suits.
  • Finish/start a memory book for the children/family.

  • Finish/start the admin you've been putting off - death or otherwise.

  • Keep a diary, embellished or actual.

  • Get that spring cleaning done. Great time for emptying out all those cupboards all over the house to give them a scrub and bin anything that's no longer needed!

  • Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc

  • Video chat with friends and family all over the world - an app called Houseparty works quite well apparently.

  • Send letters/cards to nursing homes who are currently allowed no visitors.

  • Phone friends and family, especially those who are isolated home alone with no family for company.

  • Teach yourself or brush up on those DIY skills! Amazon can deliver just about anything to you, so why not try making something for the house, or repairing whatever it is that's been bugging you and you never thought you had time to do before!

  • Brush up on those baking skills. See how creative you can be with what's in your cupboards like your very own ready steady cook! Get the kids involved too, because cooking and baking are brilliant skills to have! Do let us know what the weirdest ingredient is you manage to use - that long forgotten tin or jar in the back of the cupboard that you find something amazing to make with it!

  • Get a pet. You being stuck home will give you a taste of how they feel in the shelter. If you've space in your home, and the time to dedicate to a wee beastie even after quarantine, then why not make enquiries? Even with quarantine, you're still allowed to go for walks in the fresh air, just keep 6 feet between you and the next person.

  • Exercise! Plenty of routines on all number of apps and youtube! Why not have a nose and an explore, see if there's something that appeals to you, or at least gives you a giggle when you try it!

  • Learn a new language! There are free apps like Duolingo that you can try, or if you have a few pennies then there are plenty of courses to pay for too!

  • That book you've not finished/picked up yet because you're often too tired or too busy? Perfect time to get stuck in and see what happens next!
  • Put up some bird feeders in the garden where you can see them. Some of the antics of the birds, squirrels, and who knows what that might visit are sometimes better than the TV!
  • Have a couple of duvet days and just chill out. Can't feel guilty when you're not supposed to be anywhere else!
  • The charity called Shine - for patients 20 - 49 - are holding an online book club for people to join in with.
  • Lots of theatres and performers are putting their stuff online so you can still 'see a show/concert', just from your house.
  • Independent cafes and restaurants are really going to be struggling at the moment, so why not buy yourself a voucher as something to look forward to after this is all done and dusted? Alternatively, some of them are starting to offer takeaway where they usually wouldn't. So have a look online at your local restaurants, and even butchers/bakers/fishmongers/etc, to see who is offering delivery, then try and support them where you can to help them through this time!
  • Have a pamper session! Get in some nice creams and potions for your skin, nails, hair, whatever you've got that needs a bit of TLC and do yourself a spa day or two! Guys you can do it too and no need to be shy, because you're isolated - so no one will be a twat and judge you! Your skin needs love too!
  • Write a blog
  • For those with children, this has kept us quite busy today. If you type an animals name into Google (on an iPhone or Android) and then press ‘View in 3D’. It brings up your camera and then 30 seconds later you have a tiger in your house! You can take a photo of the kids with them and they can walk around it.
  • You Tube videos - watch them or make them. Cute animal ones are often fun!
  • Send a loved one a free biscuit
  • The Turn of the Screw

  • The Ring Cycle

  • 1984, the ballet

  • Dracula - Northern Ballet has proved that it can tell any story through dance, but Dracula is particularly well-suited to adaptation. Bram Stoker’s haunting tale of an ancient vampire at large in 19th Century England is full of seduction, temptation and obsession. Dracula will be released on BBC iPlayer in the coming weeks as part of BBC’s Culture in Quarantine Season. 

  • Panda Cam

  • Night of the Living Dead Remix, and Oh The Night

  • Project Intimacy

  • Free courses to teach yourself something new from Open Learn
  • Free kids books if you have an e-reader
  • A list of more things to do, including online museum tours! Too many things to list, but do click and have a browse!
  • Photography projects for around the home and garden
  • PE routines!
  • Free films
  • 2 free tomb raider games to play!
  • Play boardgames with your friends, online!
  • Free audible catalogue
  • London theatre shows to watch online
  • Broadway Shows  - 7 day free trial
  • Free audio Children's Stories
  • Marquee TV. Watch Ballet, plays, etc - 30 day free trial. 
  • A play is broadcast every night for free
  • Free Musicals and Plays to watch online
  • Wind in the Willows the musical from the West End!

  • 30 day lego build challenge
  • NTL will show a play every Thursday
  • Oklahoma with Hugh Jackman

  • Reserved

I'll update this first post as more suggestions are added, that way folks don't need to scroll through the whole thread to find things! 

So..... Whatcha got?

Lass

Xx

  • Hi Maggie, Great to hear from you! Can I ask everyone please!! What's the NTL you are talking about that is showing Phantom? I love the music!

    Oh your postman!! No wonder he looked shocked! It would be different if you had said paperboy but a grown man!!! He'll be looking over his shoulder from now on!

    Love Annette x

    Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift!!!
  • Hey Annette, 

    NTL stands for National Theatre Live. They are showing a play or musical every Thursday night on YouTube, which is then available for a week. Tonight they released Treasure Island. 

    On a Friday night, The Shows Must Go On releases an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical on YouTube, which is then available for 24 or 48 hours. Tomorrow night, or tonight depending on your sleep patterns, they'll be releasing Phantom at 7pm which will be available for 24 hours.

    I can post a link here once it goes live if you like, and/or send it to you via other means. Whatever is easiest for you.

    Lass

    Xx

    I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

  • Hi Lass, Thanks very much! I don't have much to do with You Tube but I will definitely look for Phantom! I thought it was something to do with the National Trust and couldn't think what the L stood for! Lol!

    Love Annette x

    Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift!!!
  • For those who like opera....  

    The Turn of the Screw - https://www.operanorth.co.uk/watch-online/watch-online-the-turn-of-the-screw/

    The Ring Cycle, by Wagner. - https://www.operanorth.co.uk/the-ring-cycle/

    For those who like ballet....

    1984 - https://northernballet.com/1984

    Dracula - Northern Ballet has proved that it can tell any story through dance, but Dracula is particularly well-suited to adaptation. Bram Stoker’s haunting tale of an ancient vampire at large in 19th Century England is full of seduction, temptation and obsession. Dracula will be released on BBC iPlayer in the coming weeks as part of BBC’s Culture in Quarantine Season.

    Panda cam - https://explore.org/livecams/three-bears/wolong-grove-panda-yard

    Theatre

    Night of the living dead remix

    Oh the night

    http://www.imitatingthedog.co.uk/watch/

    Project Intimacy - http://theriptide.co.uk/tickets/projectintimacy

    Lass

    Xx

    I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

  • Disney songs sung by Broadway stars. Available for free until the 25th.

    https://youtu.be/ZteHZ9w6UQU

    Lass

    Xx

    I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Lass

    Hi 

    Here is a picture of a very small boy watering his newly planted sunflower seed. This Sunday I put out pots, seeds, compost, a trowel and water in the front garden and invited the neighbourhood children to come round and plant up a pot. We are having a sunflower growing competition. 

    I stayed inside as families came by, one by one. It was lovely to see them all, we waved at each other and shouted our greetings. It was so lovely. 

    xx

  • I'm so pleased that people took you up on your offer to grow sunflowers! That must have been a lovely day, especially with such good weather!

    I look forward to hearing how they sprout! Fingers crossed they all do!

    Lass

    xx

    I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

  • On the final Monday of each month, starting on Monday April 27, there will be a pub-style National Theatre at Home Quiz, to be played from home; each quiz will include rounds of five questions on a wide variety of topics.

    On the first one, Dame Helen Mirren will be joined by Sir Lenny Henry, Lesley Manville, and Sir Ian McKellen asking questions on topics including history, sport, nature, and of course, the National Theatre, via the NT’s YouTube channel and Facebook page live at 7pm.

    Lass

    Xx

    I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

  • 7pm tonight, NTL will be showing Twelfth Night starring Tamsin Grieg, and it will be available for 7 days.

    Tomorrow night at 7pm, The Shows Must Go On are showing Love Never Dies - which is the sequel to Phantom - and it will be available for 48 hours.

    Happy watching! 

    Lass

    Xx

    I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

  • Send a loved one a free biscuit to say you're thinking of them!

    https://www.bloombakers.co.uk/free-kindness-biscuits-in-these-uncertain-times/

    Lass

    xx

    I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.