We know that Coronavirus is incredibly contagious and it’s so important to stay home while we work to flatten the curve. While in quarantine mode, you might find yourself bored out of your mind, stir-crazy, and searching for ways to cope in this strange time. I know it’s not easy to practice social distancing, but we will get through this. Here’s a list of how technology can help you grit your teeth, do the right thing, and stay home.
Admittedly, as an introvert, I’ve been practicing for this my whole life. I remember watching Sandra Bullock in the movie ‘The Net’ order pizza from her computer and feeling very seen! In case you’re not a card-carrying introvert who’s been practicing social-distancing before it was popular, you’ll love this list.
Groceries
An easy way to keep your distance and avoid crowding the grocery stores is to use grocery pick-up or delivery. Note that some services are a day or two out due to Coronavirus, so be sure to plan ahead. Here’s a collection of stores that provide the service:
Fred Meyer
Fred Meyer provides an excellent Pick-up Service. Order groceries from your computer or your smartphone. The pick-up fee is only $4.95 and well worth the cost. Once you arrive, park in a pick-up spot and call the number on the sign. They will bring out your groceries and load them into your car. Delivery is also available for $9.95. Download the app: App Store Google Play
Albertsons
Albertsons provides a Drive Up & Go option for groceries. You’ll even receive $20 off your first order with code ‘SAVE20’. Shop from your computer or download the app to easily add groceries to your order from anywhere. Your couch. Your bed. On your walk with the dog. Download the app: App Store Google Play
Walmart
Walmart is another option for grocery pick-up. Even before the outbreak, my mother-in-law, who’s in her 70s, relied on the service to stay on budget and benefit from an accessible option to get groceries. Download the app: App Store Google Play
Whole Foods
If you need your Whole Foods fix, you’re in luck because this store also provides grocery pick-up. If you’re a Prime member, you already have access to Free 2-Hour Delivery. After Amazon acquired the chain, prices for produce are now much more comparable to your regular grocery store. Something to keep in mind if you haven’t ventured out to the store in a while. Download the app: App Store Google Play
Shopping
Whether you need toiletries from Target or just dying to get your shop on, most retailers offer online shopping. Due to the virus, many stores are providing excellent sales. Happy Shopping!
Target
Order with Target Drive-Up and they’ll bring your order right out to your car. Be sure to use the Target app and choose the Drive-Up option. They’ll notify you as soon as your order is ready. Download the app: App Store Google Play
Rifle Paper Co.
If you’re looking for beautiful cards and stationery, Rifle Paper Co. is a wonderful artist-owned small business. Use your extra time to write a note to an old friend, far-away relative, or someone special in your life. They’re also offering 20% off everything + free shipping!
Exercise
All of your group exercise classes have been canceled and you no longer have access to your gym. How do you keep up on your fitness and release some of the stress from this crazy time? Here’s a list of online exercise options you can access from your phone or computer:
One Peloton Digital App
One Peleton Digital App is your pass to thousands of live and on-demand classes—anywhere, anytime. Try the Peloton App at home, now free for 90 days. You don’t need to own the One Peloton Bike or Treadmill to use the digital app for live and on-demand classes. Download the app: App Store Google Play
Obé Fitness
Obé Fitness offers unlimited access to daily live and 4,000+ on-demand classes for less than the cost of one studio fitness class. They offer a 7-day trial to see if this option is right for you. Download the app: App Store
Take a Walk
Take a walk in your neighborhood, while practicing social distancing of course! Make it your goal to get outside every day for some of that oh-so-healing Vitamin D. Grab a family member or throw on your headphones and listen to your favorite Spotify playlist or Audible book.
Entertainment
Maybe you’re missing your weekly movie-at-the-theater outing or staring at your spouse is becoming unbearable. Maybe your kids are driving you up the wall and you need something to entertain the crew. Here’s a list of entertainment options:
Audible
If you’re ready to get lost in a good book, but want to spring clean the house or take a nice walk in the sun while you listen, audiobooks are a great option. On Audible, build your wishlist, download your top pick, and get listening! You’ll even get your first 30 days free. Download the app: App Store Google Play
Kindle
If you’re more of a reader, Kindle is a great option for books. You can download any book immediately to your Kindle device, smartphone, or computer. Kindle is great for referencing business books, highlighting passages to search later, and doesn’t take up any space in your house! Download the app: App Store Google Play
Puzzles
Puzzles are having a moment as we all hunker down inside our houses looking for things to do. Order a few on Amazon or your favorite online retailer. Or, do a puzzle trade with a friend. Puzzles are known to be meditative and might just take your mind off everything for a few hours.
Stream TV & Movies
This one’s an obvious one, but in case you aren’t already bored to death watching tv, stream some entertainment. Start a new TV series on Netflix or rent your favorite movie series on iTunes. Now is as good a time as any to rewatch Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or The Hunger Games!
Stay In Touch
You might be feeling like you’re sentenced to the isolation chamber, but you can still stay in touch with your loved ones from home. Here’s a list of fun ways to do a video call:
Zoom
It’s amazing that Zoom‘s servers haven’t crashed during this whole Coronavirus thing. Entire businesses have moved all meetings and real-time communication to Zoom and they haven’t skipped a beat! Start a Zoom meeting with your family or friend group to reconnect. Access it from your browser or download the app: App Store Google Play
FaceTime
If you and your friend group are all iPhone users, try a FaceTime Group call. To start the call, add everyone you want to call to a group message. From there, select “FaceTime” in the top info bar and your group chat will begin.
Netflix Party
If you want to hang out (remotely of course) with friends and watch Netflix together, download the Netflix Party Chrome browser extension. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favorite Netflix shows. Pop some popcorn and enjoy some connection!
Share Joy
During this time, it can be easy to focus on ourselves and feel anxious. Here are a few creative ways to share joy with your neighborhood, friends, or family.
Sidewalk Chalk Jokes
Many people are out taking walks with family and old Scruffy is getting plenty of time on the leash. Why not share some joy by writing jokes on the walking paths or sidewalks? Write the joke question in chalk and then several yards ahead, write the answer. Your kids will have a blast doing this and you might just bring a smile to your neighbor.
Give A Friend A “Heart-Attack”
Using colored paper, cut out a bunch of different sized hearts. Write a sweet or encouraging message on each heart. Attach the hearts to your friend’s front door and share a bit of joy!
Deliver Food To Front-Line Healthcare Workers
Support both your local restaurants and hard-working healthcare workers by delivering food to your favorite healthcare worker or clinic. They are risking their lives to nurse the sick back to health and sending delicious food to them can show your appreciation and might just help them through their day.
So, what have you been doing to #stayhome? We’d love to hear your ideas!
Keep in mind, the front-line healthcare and grocery workers don’t have the option to #stayhome. Stay home for them! We can stop the spread if we work together.
If you missed it, here’s the Technical Guide to Working from Home. This last week, we’ve been busy getting all of our Limetree Labs customers set-up to work from home.
