Staying home for weeks on end can be difficult, so we have collected together some useful websites offering ideas on how to keep busy while self-isolating or social-distancing.
The BBC has published an article titled Coronavirus: Ways to stay social online while in self-isolation. The page explains how “the internet offers a means to stay connected and to keep us all entertained and educated through the days of isolation,” and offers various ways to stay in touch with friends and loved ones.
If you enjoy reading, why not join the library? Although all branches of Sheffield City Libraries are shut at the moment, there are ebooks available on the internet and there has also been a Creativity During Corona resource set up. This includes a daily writing prompt – on the libraries’ Facebook page – which has been designed to help you to write, feel or think creatively. When life returns to normal, there are plans to create an exhibition for Sheffield Central Library displaying the public’s work. During the lockdown there will also be regular quizzes and other online resources, including art lessons.
Independent disability consultant Helen Dolphin MBE has released a 10 things to do in self-isolation list through the Motability website. These include watching a movie series in order, taking part in virtual wine tasting sessions, and visiting virtual museums and other attractions. Here is a list of museums you can visit virtually
Home learning resource Chatterpack has put out a list of free, online, boredom-busting resources, ranging from geography, nature and history, music, arts and culture, the chance to develop a new skill or improve on an old one, and also help to deal with anxiety and loneliness.
Not Too Tame, an ensemble company of professional actors who are firmly founded on the belief of ‘Theatre for All’, focusing specifically in creating work that breaks the boundaries of tame, polite theatre and aims to engage those who feel that theatre isn’t a place where belong, has provided a link to free theatre screenings
Online learning portal FutureLearn has published a collection of 19 free online courses for keeping busy during social distancing and isolation. The courses “will keep your mind active, inspire you to stay busy, and broaden your mind and skill set whilst isolating at home.” They cover a range of topics including ‘Start writing fiction,’ ‘Mindfulness for welbeing and peak performance,’ ‘How to make a poem,’ ‘Music psychology’ and more.
The Guardian newspaper has details of child-friendly news with a selection of age-appropriate news sites offering both UK and global perspectives.
Wildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham is appearing live on Twitter at 9am every day with self-isolation nature chat, which you can find here.
In the USA, Health.com has published their list of 8 things to do at home while social distancing, helping readers keep busy and stay connected.
Hello magazine has published a list of 24 things you can do to keep yourself busy while social distancing. The list offers readers “tips to keep boredom at bay during the COVID-19 lockdown; from learning new skills to embracing your inner DIY guru.”
Last but not least Sheffield City Council offers Top Ten Things= to do in Sheffield this Easter.
Remember to keep up to date with the Disability Sheffield Coronavirus information and support page where you can also look at Physical Health and Exercise while at home. If you know of any more resources please let us know in the Comments box below.
