rock the lockdown
The entire world is focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a scary time for us all. I’m so relieved that Australia has finally succumbed to what we need to do as a nation - lockdown, to try and stop the spread of this insipid virus.
There’s no denying that a lockdown comes at great cost. People’s livelihoods are at great risk. Jobs are being lost by the tens of thousands, businesses and industries are collapsing, most schools are closed (finally!) and daily life is like we’ve never experienced before.
At this highly anxious and worrisome time, I think it’s good to take some time out from the NEWS. I know, I’m constantly hitting the refresh button on the Worldometer website. It’s the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning and the last thing I do before sleep, not to mention the countless refreshes throughout the day. It’s bleak.
So, I’m proposing we step away from COVID-19 for some time each day and focus on other aspects of our lives that matter
*connecting *laughing *learning *being creative *eating good food *moving our bodies *relaxing
These are all achievable from the comfort of you-know-where. I’ve curated a list of things you can do, listen to, watch, learn and eat while hanging out at home.
Let’s rock the lockdown!
DO OR LEARN - QUARANTIVITIES
Learn to make your own ceramics at home with a diy pottery kit delivered to your door or by joining an online pottery class. Both are awesome.
Take a virtual tour of famous museums.
Get fit with goCore. YOU’LL LOVE THIS!
Get your Easter Show Showbags home delivered.
Buy yourself or a loved one a make-at-home cocktail gift box.
Do a puzzle or three. I love this one and this one and this one, oh and this one is pretty great too!
Try your hand at painting by numbers. I’ve recently bought this one.
Make your own Tim Tams.
Watch a live concert at Sofa King Fest.
Check out some great on line art exhibits in Sydney.
Check out Headspace’s free meditations, sleep and movement exercises called ‘Weathering the Storm’ for all of us who need some extra support during this time of crisis.
Develop your cooking skills with Maggie Beer - she posts a new video daily on Instagram and Facebook.
Try some urban sketching.
EAT - DEVOUROLATE
Pioik Bakery have an Essentials Pack for a do-it-yourself breakfast.
Buy a Crumpet Care Package from the team at Pepe Saya or Crumpets by Merna.
Vic’s Meat are offering fresh meat deliveries to your door.
Fratelli Fresh have a range of food and drink packs delivered to you.
Chin Chin in Surry Hills gives you the chance to devour their meals on your couch. If you're a healthcare worker, you'll get 50% off your bill.
Gelato Messina has isolation specials like brownies, slices and cookies and their delicious gelatos and gelato cakes. Oh, and they deliver as well!
LISTEN - QUARANTUNES
I’ve put together a fun playlist of Quarantunes. Can you add to my list? Listening to some of these right now offers an entirely new perspective, doesn't it?.
Don’t Stand So Close to Me - The Police
Leave me Alone - Michael Jackson
Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Elvis Presley
Only the Lonely - Roy Orbison
All by Myself - Eric Carmen
So Lonely - The Police
Isolation - John Lennon
Desperado - The Eagles
The Outside - Taylor Swift
Lonely - Akon
Where Are U Now - Skrillex & Diplo ft. Justin Bieber -
Alone - Marshmello
Connection - One Republic
Is there anybody out there? - Machine Head
Never Gonna Leave This Bed - Maroon 5
You Can’t Touch This - MC Hammer
Dancing on my Own - Calum Scott
WATCH - ISOSHOWS
I’ve got a bunch of shows I love but so do you. But I do recommend My Netflix and hosting a Netflix Party with anyone, anywhere (as long as they have Netflix, too)!
FOR THE KIDS - QUARANKIDS
Now’s a Good Time to Teach Your Kids to Play on Their Own. Check out how to here. But also, make time to play, read, cook, do puzzles, dress up, make play dough, draw, and paint together.
Here are some further ideas for you:
Check out some fun literacy activities for pre-schoolers.
ABC Me will be screening educational programs to support children and caregivers at home, from 10am to 3pm each weekday.
Taronga Zoo has Taronga TV where they will bring its two beautiful zoos directly into your living room! Tune in daily to see your favourite animals, meet the keepers and learn what goes on behind the scenes at Taronga.
Audible is temporarily providing free access to books and audio stories for children and students of all ages, including titles across six different languages.
Check out the fun everyday Maths activities around the house.
ABC has a variety of engaging games and videos on most topics in the NSW Mathematics/History/Geography/Science syllabuses.
The Maths Arcade has interactive quizzes and game-based practice for Primary school students.