Enjoy Your Social Distancing
Never in a million years would I have guessed that my typical weekend plans, which involve zero interaction with other human beings, would become a pop culture trend. Granted, the CDC recommendations during the coronavirus pandemic have spurred this phenomenon, but I still find it laughable that we now have a name for intentionally isolating yourself from the outside world – Social Distancing.
If you’re practicing social distancing, you’re probably at home “working” but the reality of the situation is you’ve already eaten all of your snacks and are looking for something entertaining to do. To help, I’ve compiled a list of fun activities you can consider doing while working from home:
1. I know we’ve been talking about folks putting their Christmas lights back up to spread joy during our self quarantine and the Hallmark Channel is jumping on board with giving us a Christmas Movie Marathon! So heck, put up your Christmas tree and grab your hot chocolate! You can get the warm ‘n fuzzies March 20 – March 22 on the Hallmark Channel.
2. With the entire sports world cancelled at the moment, the Professional Bull Riders Association is no different. But, you’re in luck! You can saddle up to your TV and watch a PBR Mini-Marathon featuring several of the crucial events from the 2020 PBR World Championship Race. The 5-hour marathon will take place on CBS Sports Network March 22 12:00p.m. EDT.
3. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt recently stated, “I’ve directed the National Park Service to waive entrance fees at parks that remain open.” So if you happen to be near any National Park Service facilities you can enjoy the great outdoors during this time. It’s a great opportunity to unplug and experience the outdoors! Relax away from news surrounding coronavirus and contemplate all of the amazing things you’re going to experience when this is all said and done!
4. The Art Institute of Chicago has digitalized thousands of works of art from the greats, like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” (that’s the painting of the farmer and his wife, holding a pitchfork in front of their Iowa farmhouse). You can get up close and personal with master artworks in the comfort of your own home.
5. You can download over 300,000 books for free from the New York Public Library during this time! The New York Public Library has an app that allows anyone with a library card (and an iOS or Android phone) to “borrow” any of the 300,000 e-books in the collection. It’s called SimplyE and will allow you to read books on your phone.
6. If you’ve never been to a dairy farm, now’s your chance to experience the amazing world of production agriculture! You can take a free virtual tour of several dairy farms across the country thanks to the American Dairy Association
7. Yosemite Falls, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, drops a total of 2,425 feet. This live-streaming webcam shows the waterfall’s top section: Upper Yosemite Fall. This video is a two-fer because you can hear the amazing sound of water splashing at the bottom of the falls and watch a truly breathtaking spectacle at the same time!
8. This live underwater cam is seriously one of the coolest things I’ve seen! It sits in the landing cove of Anacapa Island, one of the five islands in Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Southern California. Here you’ll see stunning views of a kelp forest and a wide range of marine species could swim into frame at any second! If you’re anxious about coronavirus I suggest this livestream over all the others, because it truly is a relaxing experience!
9. Did someone say Pandas?! No? Just me? Well, I don’t think anyone could ever feel sad watching pandas frolic in The Wolong Grove live cam at the Shenshuping Gengda Panda Center in China’s Wolong Valley Nature Reserve. It rotates between not 1, but 11 panda yards! Be careful though, lush bamboo and cuddly pandas is a recipe for never getting your work done! Watch at your own risk!
10. Space exploration is an amazing thing, and the fact that NASA has several official streaming feeds (3) that are consistently streaming is pretty dang cool. Our universe is so vast, and there is so much to learn! NASA also conducts educational interviews with astronauts, researchers and all around badasses in their live feeds as well! It’s a one stop shop for exploration of the last frontier and learning about all things STEM.
This is only a fraction of the amazing virtual, outdoor experiences you can have…and remember, this is a PHASE. Self-Quarantine is only temporary, and you’ll soon be traveling to every dang location featured on this list! For now, we’re stuck at home, so let’s make the most of it! Travel the world with your PJ’s on and a cup of coffee in hand!
