How To Stay Entertained During a Pandemic
Now that is a title I didn’t think we would be using when we started this blog. However, I also didn’t think we would have to shut down the restaurant either. As I said before though, when life gives you lemons…. you use them to disinfect every surface area possible to ensure you stay healthy! In all honesty, I think it takes a community to get through tough times together. And, while we are all in this social distancing together, here are some ways to keep your sanity during this self-quarantine. Here are just a few fun ideas on how to stay entertained during a pandemic.
Have a Netflix Party
It always seems like a great idea: FaceTime, and watch the same movie. However, we all know the issue with that. How do you get the show to sync up perfectly? Well, there is literally an app for that. If you have a Chrome browser, use Netflix Party. It’s an extension that helps synchronize video playbacks. So, if one party pauses, it pauses it for everyone. It also has group chat features. So, host a movie night and everyone can stay in the comfort of their own homes!
Make a Video
You can be by yourself or have your family join in. Either way, making a video is a great way to exercise different skills, or learn new ones! Make a short film on YouTube, choreograph a TikTok video, or make fun Facebook/Instagram Stories. Whatever you choose to do, it’s a fun way to get off your feet and think outside the box. Get the kids to research a topic, film and learn to edit the video. Even if they don’t share it on social media, it is a great way to flex their creativity.
Write a Letter
This works for adults and kids alike. Everyone loves a handwritten letter. Write to friends or family you live close to but can’t see or ones you haven’t seen in a while. Not sure who you want to write to? Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Write a Soldier. Even though we are quarantined, many of our armed forces remain overseas, away from their families. And during this time, spreading some kindness and thank yous might just be what we need.
- Write a Local Senior. As we are all aware, the most vulnerable population during this time is our senior citizens. Many senior centers have been shut down and activities canceled. Sending a letter might just bring the joy they need.
- Write Yourself. While Facebook will kindly remind us of all the craziness we and others posted years from now, it won’t remind us of what we were really feeling. Write your hopes, dreams, projections, and put a date to open it in the future.
Take a Visit to Mars
The best part? You don’t even need to leave your house! Visit Access Mars, created by Google and NASA. It lets you explore a 3D replica of Mars’ surface. This was created by the Curiosity rover that took digital photographs all across the Martian surface. If you want to stay on this planet, there are so many zoos, museums, and art galleries that have created free virtual tours.
Create a Virtual Meeting
Miss your morning coffee with your friends? Want to still dance your heart out? While it might not feel the same, it is still possible. Think about using virtual meeting apps, or video chatting. I’ve seen friends through dance parties on Instagram, and other’s schedule coffee dates over FaceTime. Again, while it’s not the same as having the person right in front of you, it is important to still stay connected.
Share Your Ideas
These are just a few ideas. I am sure you are all getting creative, especially trying to keep kids entertained. Remember, them being bored won’t hurt them. And, if we can remember anything from our own upbringings – before Netflix, constant screen time, and unlimited internet access – we stayed entertained. Sometimes it was building a fort, or playing board games. Other times, it was finding shapes in the clouds, or creating our own games. If you have any ideas you would like to share on how to stay entertained during a pandemic, please let us know!
And, thank you again to everyone who continues to support small businesses in our community. The unknown is a scary thing, but if we all stick together we can succeed and push through. We are now offering delivery services and carryout. Check out our menu and give us a call. You can also buy gift cards online now. I look forward to seeing your smiling faces soon!