In light of everything that’s happening due to COVID-19, many of us are spending a lot more time at home than we’re used to—and with all of the uncertainty, stress levels are at an all time high. Today we’re rounding up ways to stay engaged and keep yourself busy while you’re cooped up at home.
HEALTH:
Fitness: exercise is a great way to keep your stress in check! Many online platforms—including Barry’s Bootcamp, Tone It Up, Peloton, and City Row—are temporarily offering free workout classes while gyms and workout studios are closed. Shape has a great round-up featuring class styles from yoga to dance to HIIT and more.
Meditation: there are a lot of popular mediation apps available (like Calm and Headspace). InsightTimer is another option, designed to help you cope with anxiety, manage stress, and improve your sleep. 2019 HOW Design Live Keynote Speaker Elizabeth Gilbert has a session titled Facing Fear with Compassion that’s very relevant to the stress many of us are feeling about COVID-19.
Cooking: for our New York City-based team members, social distancing has impacted the way we’re eating (AKA: a lot less takeout). Sharpen up your cooking skills and become a pro—SheKnows gathered up 20 online cooking classes for your perusal.
CREATIVITY:
Free Workshops + Services: our friends at Adobe are helping students and educators in the creative community by offering free access to Creative Cloud from now through May 31, 2020 (details here). Brit + Co is offering free classes on their platform through March 31—learn calligraphy, painting, and more.
Go Analog: has it been a while since you got your sketchbook or paints out just for fun? Draw, paint, color, create – it’ll keep you busy and help you reconnect with your inner creative.
Watch a Movie: Filmmaker Gary Hustwit is streaming his documentaries free worldwide during the global COVID crisis. From March 17-24, you can stream Helvetica, a feature-length documentary about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. Check it out here.
Virtual Tours: thousands of museums and art galleries are offering free virtual tours online through Google’s Arts & Culture pages. The New York Times shared a round-up of zoos and aquariums offering virtual tours as part of a feature for children stuck at home, but we know plenty of adults who would enjoy this content, too.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Take Online Classes: if you’ve been wanting to learn a new skill but haven’t been able to find the time, carpe diem! There are a variety of platforms available with a wide range of classes, including CreativeLive, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Flatiron School, Skillshare, and General Assembly, just to name a few.
Get your HOW Fix: check out our HOW Insider Guide for tips on how to silence your inner critic, build your personal brand, and evolve into a brilliant leader.
Get Organized: okay, maybe you already are. But if there are files or emails that you’ve put off sorting, do a little spring cleaning! Your future self will thank you.