Hey, how are all you guys doing?

 

We are sure living in interesting times as this coronavirus sweeps across our great nation. Most of our states have issued stay-home orders and we aren't any different in Idaho. 

 

It's disappointing that our concerts and festivals are cancelled, businesses deemed nonessential are closed, our farmer's markets are postponed, and our kids are out of school. Idahoans everywhere are losing their jobs. 

 

I know many of you out there in Boise and our surrounding communities are frustrated, too, but we must do our part to slow the spread.

 

After all, it will ease pressure on our hospitals where doctors, nurses and other staff are doing the work of heroes. 

 

I hope our list of things to do while staying home in Boise helps take your mind off it all. While most of our Platinum Idaho staff are working from home, we got together on a Zoom meeting to bring you these ideas.

 

CLEAN/DISINFECT THE HOUSE

More than a few of my friends have turned into excellent housekeepers these last few weeks. It is the time of year where we do clean all the windows, wipe the crown molding and dust the baseboards.

 

A couple of years ago, we shared a blog post giving you a list of things to remember while you're spring cleaning. Check it out.

 

WATCH SOME BRAIN CANDY

This is the easy choice, right? Just flop on the couch and binge some Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime. Or Disney+ if you have little ones (OK, OK, I know some of you out there are just plain suckers for The Little Mermaid, even these so many decades later.)

 

Now, I'm not into reality TV but I do know it's a big deal and a very real way for some to escape their own reality.

 

Here are some of the top reality shows on streaming TV:

 

  • Tiger King (Netflix)

  • Love is Blind (Netflix)

  • Making the Cut (Amazon)

  • Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (Hulu)

  • Project Runway (Bravo app, Hulu)

  • Love Island (Hulu)

  • The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)

  • Pick of the Litter (Disney+)

 

LISTEN TO A SELF-IMPROVEMENT PODCAST

Another, maybe healthier choice, might be to work on ourselves. Download a podcast app, like iTunes or Stitcher and give these motivational podcasts a listen:

 

  • Lead to Win, hosted by bestselling author Michael Hyatt, who gives you tools for meeting your career and personal goals

  • Rise Together, dedicated keeping your romantic relationship strong and authentic

  • Happier with Gretchen Rubin, delivering tips and practical advice for becoming happier

  • Entrepreneurs on Fire, featuring top entrepreneurs who inspire listeners to achieve their dreams or search for deeper meaning in life

 

TALK TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY

We're humans, we are social beings, we are meant to connect. Now is a good time to reach out and make sure your extroverted friends are OK. They might be suffering without the regular engagements they need to fill their outgoing souls.

 

Use any of the connectivity apps on your phone or desktop, grab a coffee and get chatting

  • Facetime for Apple 

  • WhatsApp

  • Facebook Messenger

  • Google Hangouts

  • Skype

  • Zoom

 

TAKE IN SOME ONLINE CULTURE

Museums, art galleries and other exhibition facilities around the country are offering virtual visits. Whether on Facebook Live or YouTube, these virtual visits give us a chance to learn more about the world around us while we're cooped up at home.

 

The Louvre, the world's largest art museum, has a small collection of virtual tours, including Egyptian Antiquities.

 

The Guggenheim of New York City has more than 1,700 artworks by more than 625 artists in their Collection Online.

 

Also, check out the The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 

Actually, Good Housekeeping has put together a massive list of museums, galleries, zoos and theme parks offering virtual tours. It's a great spot to get started.

 

Locally, our favorite museums are staying active on their Facebook pages.

 

 

ENTERTAIN THE KID

They've been sent home with their lesson plans and you're making sure they're getting all their work done. Plus, they have chores, right? 

 

Let's give them a little time to enjoy their day, too. 

 

Together, you could:

 

  • Play board games

  • Do a jigsaw puzzle

  • Grab a pack of crayons and a coloring book

  • Build a pillow fort

  • Create with Legos

  • Set up a scavenger hunt in the house and backyard

  • Draw messages of hope in chalk on your sidewalks

  • Make some crafts to hang in your window and delight your neighbors

 

Better than anything, just play. Laugh with your kids. They don't always grasp what's going on and they feel your stress. Let their laughter fill you with hope and joy.

 

START THAT WORKOUT ROUTINE

You know you've been meaning to do those 50 situps a day but you've just never found the time. Right? I know. I got you. 

 

Now you have the time. 

 

Sage Yoga & Wellness, whose N. 8th St. studio is closed during the stay-home order, is offering classes for free. Livestream those classes on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

 

Or you can check out these apps, available for free on both Apple and Google Play:

 

  • Nike Training Club

  • Simply Yoga

  • MapMy series from Under Armour4

  • 7 Minute Workout

  • Fitify

  • FitOn

 

DO NOTHING

Heck, you guys, a lot of us have been given the gift of time. It's OK to take some of it and not do anything.

 

Don't work. Don't teach. Don't learn. Don't move. Don't think.

 

Just sit and be. I'm telling you to do nothing. Nap if you need to. Nap lots. 

 

It's OK to not have a to-do list for the day, to not accomplish anything, to just be nonproductive.

 

If you don't give yourself permission, I do. Please, go do nothing for a few hours.