A few weeks ago, a Social Distancing Meme appeared in my Instagram feed. On the top half it read “Isolation without kids.” Underneath it showed photos of a couple smiling as they did yoga, played a game, and read together in bed. It also showed a woman painting, while in another photo, a woman was planting a garden. 

Then, on the bottom half, the meme read “Isolation with kids.” Underneath it showed a photo of kids in a hot tub overflowing with bubbles. There was one of a baby covered head to toe in Skippy Peanut Butter. Then there was one of siblings fighting. And in the lower right hand corner, there was a photo of two very haggard parents clutching their beer at the end of the night. 

We have garnered a little extra free-time. Time, that can so easily be sucked up by watching TV or scrolling socials

Granted, this meme portrayed the extremes of both sides. But I am not going to pretend that Tony and I are’t on the easier side of this. Though we’re not exactly on a dreamy, honeymoon-like staycation, we have garnered a little extra free-time. Time, that can so easily be sucked up by watching TV or scrolling socials. 

So, we’ve been looking for a few ways to spend our screen time differently. And, we’ve found there is so much going on virtually, that can help us mix things up. Today, I want to share some great ways of spending an hour or two online—ones that will feel less like a time suck, and more like an experience. Some, that may even open up new conversations or thoughts for you and the people in your life. 

Get Inspired

Through video, creatives like Sean Tucker and Chase Jarvis, talk about life, creativity, and finding balance in a world that is off kilter. Sean offers twenty minute videos filled with both inspiration and stunning images. Chase Jarvis interviews some of the most creative, brilliant, and successful people of our time on how they live, what they’ve learned, and what has helped them succeed.

Go Global

AirBnB is offering online experiences that range from four dollars to forty dollars. Virtually travel to Italy to learn how to make pasta, Sweden to learn how to bake pastries, or Spain to learn Flamenco dancing. The options are endless. 

Do a Virtual Wine Tasting 

Every Thursday at 5pm EST, one of our favorite Wineries is doing tasting sessions on social media. They talk about the process that goes into making each of their wines, and how it impacts the nuances of its flavor. You can even order the wine ahead of time and join in on the tasting from your home. This will be their third week in, but you can watch previous installments on their Facebook page. 

Watch a Concert

During this time, so many musicians and singers are trying to reinvent what it looks like to connect with their followers. For example, Ellie and Drew Holcomb have been performing cover songs on Instagram nightly. And every few weeks, they’ve been streaming a concert from their living room. Their next performance should be the first weekend of May, but check their Instagram accounts for updated info—or look into what some of your favorite artists are doing to connect with you.

Take a Wellness Class

Creative Live, an online community for creatives, is streaming a selection of their Wellness Classes for free during this time we’re in Isolation. Take a class on yoga, or on how to manage stress effectively. 

What cool things are you doing virtually these days?

What are you missing most about “real life?”

Feeling a little adrift in this strange, new normal of being at home? Sign up for my email list and get your free copy of my Social Distancing Survival Guide: Everyday Routines. Sign up here.

Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash