For some, home is a safe haven from the noisy world around us where we can escape the drama and bustle of the outside world. However, with the social distancing and closure of movie theatres, parks, afterschool clubs, museums and many other outlets for education and entertainment it can feel like we are at risk for losing touch with our culture. Fortunately, we can still remain connected to each other, our cultures and passions (and maybe even pick up a new hobby or two) to stave off boredom even while we are homebound.
Here are some suggestions we have for you:
A couple internet providers are offering free internet to aid students during Coronavirus crisis:
- Spectrum is offering 60 days of free internet for students. Call 1.844.488.8395
- Comcast is offering unlimited data nationally for free to low income families for two months and even increasing internet speeds.
Movie marathons are a great way to stave off the boredom with the whole family
Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lord of The Rings, Rocky, Harry Potter, Mission Impossible, Jurassic Park, Shrek, Ice Age, Night at the Museum are just a few series that you can enjoy with your family and have plenty to talk about.
The Metropolitan Opera has announced viewing the opera will be free
Each Opera will be available on the Metropolitan Operas website from 7:30pm – 3:30pm the next day (eastern time) they will also be available through the opera on demand apps. https://www.metopera.org/
If party music is more your thing
Go to harrisonplace.nyc and you can listen to some DJ’s play club style music without having to be at the club.
Sirius XM radio is offering a three month free trial membership.
Streaming services usually offer a free 7-day trial period
- Hulu is $5.99 per month (with ads)
- Netflix starts at $8.99
- Disney+ is normally $6.99 per month
- Apple TV is $4.99 per month
- Sling TV starts at $20 per month
- Amazon Fire Stick TV is about $49.99 right now and service is $14.99 per month
Some streaming networks are offering free or discounted services.
Acorn TV, Sundance Now, UMC Shudder, Pluto TV, Tubi, Vudu, Xumo, IMDb TV are some to look into.
Audio Books are a great way to stay connected to art, culture, education and entertainment
- Audible Amazon’s audio book service has made hundreds of titles available for free
- The local Library has many options available online as well. From downloadable books to audio as well as online classes in almost any subject.
Many Gyms are offering free or discounts on virtual gym videos and apps
Peloton, Gold’s Gym and Planet Fitness are just a few.
I know that most of us use our phones for games and social networking more so than for actual communication, but in order to maintain a social life while social distancing why not pick up the phone and give some friends a call (after all they are probably doing the same thing you are)
Playing games together via skype or face time could break up the monotony and be a lot of fun.
This could be a great time to give a call to friends who you haven’t gotten to connect with in a while, a reminder that we are all in this together.
Remember that this is an unprecedented event and to not put too much pressure on yourself.
Mary Jane James
I am so excited about getting to equip children with the tools they will need to not only survive but thrive. They say if you do what you love then you never work a day in your life and I believe that is completely true.
