From comedy to evening drinks and maths lessons for kids, there are countless ways to have fun and be productive.
In a united effort to curb the spread of Covid-19, if you can stay at home, you should. But what to do, is the question. Because, let’s face it, being cooped up indoors requires relentless efforts in creativity to make sure you don’t go bonkers or, worse, start a lasting family feud over who didn’t pick up their socks or wash that mug.
Times are tough, so we’ve come up with ways to help you spend your spare time constructively…
Free language lessons
Rosetta Stone is giving free access for schoolchildren to use its language courses for the next three months, saving parents the usual £50 fee. Go to rosettastone.co.uk/lp/freeforkids/. “Children can continue to expand their horizon by learning a new language, and parents can ensure that the kids are using their time wisely,” says Rosetta Stone.
Free comedy
Lots of big names including Robin Ince, Al Murray and Josie Long are playing the Stay at Home festival from the Cosmic Shambles Network. All the shows, for now, will be live only and free to watch, though donations are being encouraged. Check cosmicshambles.com/stayathome.
Free home-schooling resources, including Carol Vorderman's maths school (normally £2/week)
Carol Vorderman has announced that access to her maths school The Maths Factor will be free while schools are closed (normally £2/week). It's aimed at 4 to 11-year-olds and is matched to the national curriculum.
Take a yoga class
Even if you've never done yoga in your life, there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube.
Pick one, and have a go next time you're feeling cooped up.
Online PE lessons for kids every weekday morning with Joe Wicks
Every weekday at 9am, Joe Wicks (aka 'The Body Coach') is live-streaming a 30-minute PE class on his YouTube channel for free (his normal fitness plans are £97 for 90 days). If you can't tune in then, don't worry – you can watch them back whenever you want.
If your kids are getting restless, this is a great way to get them burning off some energy while they're stuck indoors, and a fun way to start the day if you're home-schooling.
Free meditation via the Headspace and Calm apps
These popular meditation apps normally cost £50-£60/year for a subscription, but they've both released free content specifically to help those struggling with anxiety and stress at this time.
Calm is offering 'soothing meditations', a 'calm masterclass', 'calm kids' and mindfulness resources. They're available via its website – see Calm's free content.
Headspace has a collection called Weathering the Storm, which includes meditations, sleep and movement exercises. It's available on the app (for iPhone or Android), or you can access some of the content via the Headspace website.
Take a free Ivy League course
Ivy League colleges in the USA are offering free courses online.
You can take anything from Buddhism and Modern Psychology, to The Global Financial Crisis, to one that's just called 'Success'.
Couch to 5k
Keep active by downloading a Couch to 5k app, and heading out into the fresh air for a jog three times a week.
Just make sure that you maintain a two metre distance from other people while you're out running.
Do evening drinks (from home)
More and more of us are turning to virtual slumber parties on video apps like Houseparty and Zoom so we can keep up with friends, have a laugh, a glass of wine or three, and make the best of the lockdown.
What you'll need: Your girls, wine, and maybe some snacks
Give yourself a manicure
Sometimes it's the small things in life that make us feel better, with a fresh manicure being up there. Take some time for yourself, push your cuticles down, slather on some hand cream and choose a shade that makes you smile from ear to ear.
Clear out your wardrobe
Dedicate your new-found time and attention to sorting out your clothes, declutter your home, ditching items you haven't worn for six months and co-ordinating clothes into sections so it's easier to browse in the mornings. This is a great opportunity to get inspired by new outfits or rediscover an old favourite.
Virtually Visit Galleries Around the World
These galleries offer an innovative approach to ensure artists can still exhibit and you can explore their creative realm. Might I add how very cool this is? Ever dreamed of visiting the Museum of Modern Art, New York, or perhaps Musée d’Orsay in Paris? Well now you can – from your couch – thanks to Google’s Art & Culture project.
Our top picks:
Museum of Modern Art, New York
Musée d’Orsay, Paris
Tate, various cities in Britain
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam