It feels like the world is standing still. We are almost through the first week of social distancing. My family is taking this very seriously and we are limiting contact with world at large. We were so grateful for a break in the snowy/rainy weather and all got out for a walk today.
I work from home, and all the Purple Martin specialists are familiar with tools for video meetings, with our clients and each other. However, I am so surprised in the ways society is using technology to reach out to each other.
The other night as I cooking dinner, my husband, Mark, brought his iPad into the kitchen and said the singer of one of our favorite bands is hosting live 30 minute concerts on Facebook Live every night for the next two weeks. It was so nice to listen to live acoustic music; like a salve for the soul. I shared the concert on my personal Facebook page and got to chatting with a friend in Colorado – what a great spontaneous connection!
In the spirit of us all being in this together, I want to share some of the unique finds which are keeping us entertained, centered and connected.
Music
Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie is hosting Live Concerts each night about 6pm Central Time. https://www.facebook.com/deathcabforcutie/. You can click the Get Reminder button and Facebook will notify you when he goes live.
Here’s a list of other artists hosting virtual concerts, including the Metropolitan Opera – https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown
How do you make sure you are washing your hands for 20 seconds? By singing of course! Here’s a fun way to test your songs for washing length – https://washyourlyrics.com/
Entertainment
We are working on an insanely difficult puzzle of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel painting. It’s so intense we can only work on it in small doses. 
Another way we are occupying ourselves is Battleship! We don’t own this game, but found this e-version and are playing each other and inviting friends to play from their homes! http://en.battleship-game.org
Many museums and other institutions are offering free virtual tours.
My son, Travis, is super into Dungeons & Dragons. He has been running online games via facetime with his friends for about a year now. They have obviously ramped up their schedule now. At a D&D convention we attended last year, we discovered a live action version of D&D called True Dungeon. They have released app versions of game:
Cogwind 3D: An AR app letting players run through the ‘N’ series dungeons. (Free)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cogwind-3d/id1452924451
Cogwind’s Revenge: A 2D app letting players run through puzzles and combat just like the real thing. (Free)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cogwinds-revenge/id1003952374
Coronavirus doesn’t mean to stay to be stuck inside. You can definitely get outside, take a walk or hike. Dr. Asaf Bitton says “Going outside in and of itself doesn’t increase the risk. It is really proximity to other human beings…“. One way you can get out and have a “mission” is Pokemon Go or Harry Potter Wizards Unite apps. There are fun geolocation games that are suitable for the entire family. Just stay off the playground equipment and benches.
Podcasts – I <3 podcasts! I listen to a lot of business related, current events and political podcasts. Here are a few of favs which will hopeful NOT cause the heart rate to rise.
- Creating Disney Magic – former EVP of Walt Disney World talks about leadership in business and life.
- Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me – NPR news quiz staple with hilarious guests.
- Curious City – hidden Chicago podcast
- Car Talk – no longer in production, this classic radio call-in show offers a lot more than just car repair!
- Slow Burn – Alright, if you want to something not so fluffy, check out Season 1 of Slow Burn series on Watergate.
Keep Calm and Carry On
This situation is stressful, for sure. There are many unknowns. We’re spending large amounts of time in close proximity to people we love (and can therefore drive us bananas), or completely alone. When you need to get centered, check out these resources.
I went through a bout of terrible insomnia about 2 years ago. That’s when I discovered Calm meditation app. It has been a game changer for my sleep, and I now use it in many areas of my life. The the app is free and has some free options, but it a subscription to unlock everything. However, Calm is providing additional free resources!
NPR Music has put together a 6HOUR playlist called Isle of Calm available to stream via Spotify or Apple Music.
Exercise can help you get out of your head, encourages deep breathing, and releases endorphins! Many leaders in the Yoga & Exercise space are offering free online options. I love Jessica Smith’s indoor walking videos (for if the weather is crumby). Corepower Yoga has opened their on demand library of classes. Here are two great articles with lots of resources: SoCal and Colorado.
Gold Mine
Your local library may be closed, but it can still offer you SO much. My local library has an entire Digital Library section. We check out e-books and audio books. They also have many web resources you can access for free, like Consumer Reports (which we already looked at this week because our microwave died on last weekend ?!?!?!?!), Ancestry.com, language programs, newspapers across the country and Driving Test Prep!
I hope this has been helpful. Please pop onto my Facebook page and share what unique things you’ve discovered during social distancing.
Wishing you and your family health, contentment and looking forward to planning your getaway in the near future.
With all my gratitude,
Dawn