Dig out the spandex, make some space in your living room and tune into Facebook or Instagram Live every Wednesday for an aerobics lesson from drag queen Dolly Trolley. The sessions are free, but organisers have set up a PayPal link for those who want to donate a few pounds.
Actual concerts and gigs are no-gos for the foreseeable, but you can replicate those live-music vibes in your living room thanks to YouTube. Yet to decide? No fret — we've assembled a list of the best karaoke songs ever , from raucous party songs you can sing while tipsy to tender love songs for serenading your boo. Karaoke versions of all of them are widely available online. Netflix has revitalised the documentary industry. But which of these true tales are worth 90 or more minutes of your precious time?
From genre-defining classics to intimate personal studies, these are the best documentaries to stream right now on Netflix in the UK and US. Tech-savvy curators are getting creative with how the public can access their collections, and many are catering to an online audience with insanely good virtual tours.
We all watched a lot of TV in But the unique circumstances of drew us to old favourites like cats to a radiator — as much for their familiar comforts as their guaranteed quality. You swore it would never happen, but perhaps it really could be time to queue up Game of Thrones. Not quite into the swing of working from home? Perhaps you need a stack of absolutely massive bangers to jump-start your brain. Cooped up inside with cabin fever?
Had all your holiday plans ruined? Plenty of yoga studios are now live-streaming classes so you can still practise with your fave teacher — calming music, guided shavasana and all.
Starting from scratch? The secret to yoga for beginners is to get up and keep going, according to our recent convert. One silver lining of living through a pandemic in the age of the internet is that, though you may be self-isolating, you can still sort of get that much-needed dose of the great outdoors. Need a break from reality? You can browse works by the Mexican artist, but also lots of biographical elements personal objects, letters, journal extracts. Just remember to think of your playlist like a spag bol: a little bit of cheese is a fine addition, but too much can be overpowering.
Their audiences may have been kept at home, but temples of high culture have fought back hard against the global lockdown.
As we know pretty well by now, real life and current affairs can really get you down. For many of us, Netflix is the antidote and escapism we need from daily life. However, with so many titles to choose from, it can be hard to know which films will leave your spirits high.
You can easily order art materials online. What better way to figure out how to use a brush than learning from the best? Why the hell not, eh?
Japanese author Haruki Murakami is passionate about music and songs play an important role in almost all of his stories.
Happily for die-hard Murakami fans and anyone who just likes good music , Spotify user Masamaro Fujiki has compiled all the songs Murakami has written about in his stories into one playlist. Having a little trouble unwinding at the moment? YouTube is our go-to source for all kinds of soothing content. ASMR communities have quietly been setting up camp in this corner of the internet for years now. Missing that cat you always say hello to on the way to work?
Frankly, animal-assisted therapy is just what we need right now. Many are streaming real-time feeds of their most popular attractions. From baboons to beluga whales, here are six incredibly soothing live-streams from zoos and aquariums around the world.
The Netflix Party app, available on Chrome , lets you stream Netflix in unison with your pals. Wanderlust getting the better of you? The New York Landmarks Conservancy has a catalogue of video tours you can play from the comfort of your couch. Brooklyn artist Mo Willems, the educational artist-in-residence at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, kept children all over the world busy last year with these free online drawing sessions.
The live classes may have ended, but you can still catch all the previous sessions on YouTube. Think you still might have a secret Eddie Van Halen hidden deep within you? A mini St Vincent lurking somewhere in your gut?
Well, you should probably go to a doctor, but after that, you might actually want to start learning how to play. Do it properly with these three easy ways to brush up online. That's where world-famous Ivy League university Yale comes in. Museums and art galleries around the world are no-go zones for the foreseeable.
Staying in can get really boring, really fast. Not your thing? Here are some other fab time-wasters for these self-isolating times.
California's most famous haunted home, the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, is offering free video tours while the mansion is closed. The bizarro tale began when the lady of the house, Sarah Winchester, inherited a vast fortune from her father-in-law, Oliver Winchester, manufacturer of the famous rifle.
Winchester came to believe her family were haunted and built this house as a way to elude the ghosts of all those who had fallen victim to the Winchester rifle. Enjoyed that? Next, take a virtual tour through the Paris catacombs.
With Broadway and the West End shut down for the time being, fans of musical theatre are hungry for shows they can watch at home. This new streaming service offers high-quality full-length performances from Broadway, the West End and beyond. But how can you choose among the many shows on offer?
One year-old Italian grandmother had the perfect reaction to her country going into lockdown. Nonna Nerina usually runs pasta-making workshops in the countryside near Rome, but she had to cancel all her classes. Now, with her granddaughter Chiara, Nerina has taken them online. Buon appetito! Sure it got a little scary and a lot claustrophic, but there were some positives to come out of this current world situation, like zoom quizzes, Instagram bake-a-longs and communal claps for our healthcare workers.
Oh, and all the tales about animals taking advantage of the drop in human activity to have a jolly time. The venue is now screening archive performances, special one-offs and dance workshops aimed at a variety of ages, from a family workout for ages two-to-six to classes for the over-sixties. But you know one thrill-inducing thing we can do, wherever we are? The ride, at Universal Studios Hollywood, has been recorded by Undercover Tourist, and thanks to them we can now get a little adrenaline rush from our living rooms.
Here are ten more rollercoasters you can ride virtually online. There are certain classics Scrabble! Connect 4! These are the games that never fail to tug at our heartstrings: they are culture-defining, nostalgic go-tos that always deliver come game night.
Looking to take a trip back in time? Bored of charades? Things involving hammers. Just got an exhibition poster framed and want to put it on your bedroom wall? Want to feel more capable next time your sink backs up? Do some googling. Suddenly found yourself trying to work from home AND home-school your kids? Sure, you could throw on another six layers and open the window for an hour a day — but a less hypothermia-inducing idea is to order in some houseplants from a plant subscription service or garden centre offering delivery.
Bored of Duolingo? Into K-pop? Chit-chat with the flatmates wearing thin? How about a life-size lion, tiger or giant panda? Ceramics were having a bit of a moment until self-isolation and social distancing happened. Missing your clay fix or simply want to try out a new hobby during lockdown? In London, acclaimed workshop Kana London is launching an online pottery course, while in Sydney, the Clay Sydney studio will be offering all the materials, tools and tutorial support to take one of its popular classes from the comfort of your own home.
But which is the best, which one should you be using to keep in touch with your friends, family and Tinder dates? To do so, you simply nab a link at playingcards.
Your move! Found yourself making a lot of banana bread recently? But trust us: you could seriously dial it up with just a few tweaks. Should keep you busy. While you can't visit your favourite massage, facial or nail studios at the moment, that doesn't mean you need to neglect yourself — especially when great studios like Re:lax in London are sharing their secrets online.
Watch them at work on their Insta stories or sign up to one of their virtual courses to learn how to give yourself a five-star facial at home. Think again, people. You might not be able to be in the same room as your pals right now, but thanks to the Houseparty app you can still hang with all your mates , and even play games like Heads Up. Remember when you thought you were sleep-deprived because of your busy social schedule? Since , Tim has spent more than 3, hours sitting on a plinth at the museum, with his tattooed back being streamed in real time online.
Art, huh? Apart from paracetamol, laughter is still the best medicine. Sign up and give those one-liners a test run. Or which countries offer the best visa options for remote workers. Anyway, see ya later We want every second you spend to be spent well: eating the best food, soaking up the best culture, dancing at the best parties.
You may find them more interesting now that you're older. Life is too short not to plan parties, even if they are months away from happening. Can't think of a good reason to throw one? Some of our favorites include celebrating a great new cocktail recipe, a promotion, or just because your apartment is clean and you want to show it off. If you've had a stressful week, there's nothing like a quick 30 minutes nap to get you back on track.
Catch up on your sleep now and reap the benefits. It'll be a nice surprise for them to know how much you care. And you might just get a love note back in return! If you know a friend is going through a rough time like a breakup or tough month at work , put together a few of their favorite things and leave it on their doorstep.
We love to include a luxurious candle, some homemade baked goods, and a magazine or two. That adult coloring book you got for Christmas? Break it out and channel your inner child with markers or crayons. Or go old school with plain paper and colored pencils — instant fridge art. When was the last time you washed your windows?
Grab the Windex and paper towels, and wash them now. You'll be amazed at how dirty they get over the years. For a dose of nostalgia, play your favorite music videos from the '90s or early '00s and recreate the choreography you used to know so well. Nothing but good vibes in your home. Finally get started on that Netflix show everyone's been talking about. If you finish the whole season in a few days, even better. Get caught up on the news of the world and your town.
Throw up some removable wallpaper for a low-commitment, totally reversible look. Some of our favorite places to add wallpaper include powder rooms, living room accent walls, and the back of bookshelves. Not sure how to tuck an oversized sweater into your midi skirt?
Need a theme for your 30th birthday party? Thinking about painting your kitchen chairs? Pinterest is full of ideas — see what inspires you. You'll save some money when a recipe calls for fresh herbs, plus your home will smell great. List five things you're grateful for each day. Studies have shown that this practice reduces mental distress and anxiety, and can lead you to feel more resilient and social. Whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies, ricotta orange pound cake, or banana bread.
No worries if it doesn't turn out the way you had hoped, you'll have a great story either way. Always wanted to try kickboxing but never actually got up the courage to go to a class?
Try your hand at an online workout from the comfort of your own home. Yes, you can. Buy an introductory textbook and get started by reviewing a chapter per day. Or download an app like Duolingo that will remind you to practice. Or something that you knew at one point but forgot. Use your Google skills to learn about which wines pair best with seafood, how to use Photoshop, or who's trending in the world of fine art.
They really help the time pass by and give your brain a workout too. Start with an easy piece puzzle and work your way up to the trickier 1, piece puzzle. We prefer a glass of wine while we work on ours, but up to you. Your morning commute will thank us. Download a bunch of episodes, and binge them. Refer to these lists in the future. Blast your favorite song and get your groove on. We know, we know, it's not the most fun activity, but let's face it, it needs to be done.
Toss old makeup, dispose of expired prescriptions properly, and give it all a good wipe down before you restock. In my family, we have an absolutely killer party mix recipe. Each family member puts their own spin on it, but it's a great recipe to know in a pinch to take to a dinner party or get together.
Play around and see how you can make a timeless recipe your own. Design: Cathie Hong Interiors. Whether you have a room to yourself or your only extra space is in a spare closet, you can transform that space into a work station. Invest in a great desk, drawer organizers and plenty of artwork to create the office of your WFH dreams. Catalogue your linen closet, entertaining supplies, or any other collections you may keep, like your handbags or shoes.
Write down where you stored your holiday decorations and dinner party dishware. Use the organizational maps to find things quickly later on.
Take the boots that need new heels to your shoe guy. Finally drop your clothes off at the dry cleaner. Cooking, decorating, historical fiction—find a section of books that you enjoy, check out a few, and take them home to read. Some libraries even offer free e-book downloads with your library card.
If you're in the habit of buying the entire New York Times bestseller list, but never read them, you're not alone. Grab a book from your shelf and read the first chapter. Most cities have some sort of public garden, many of which are free to the pubic.
Seek out a rose, botanical, or produce garden in your area, and go be one with nature. Itching to travel? Now's the time to do the research.
No matter where you'd like to travel, spend some time looking up the best hotels, activities, and restaurants in the area. Go to your local grocery or farmer's market and buy a bunch of affordable blooms in your favorite color.
Arrange them in vases, and then enjoy the flowers in your home for the next week. We know you've been meaning to check out that new spot you pass on the way to work every day, but we're betting there are some other fantastic restaurants you've yet to try in your area. Make a list of the ones you'd like to hit and start crossing them off. If you've got the time, you might as well make your life easier.
Research easy recipes to make this week and your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and leftovers are covered. Plus you'll save a little dough by eating in. Add some greenery to your home with an easy-to-care for plant for beginners. We recommend snake plants, succulents, or ZZ plants for those without green thumbs. If you have pets, be sure to research cat-friendly and dog-friendly varieties before you commit to becoming a plant parent.
Ready for a change? Try a virtual design site like Modsy or Havenly. They'll pair you with a designer who can help you reimagine your space. The best part is the whole process is done online — just fill out a questionnaire and send some photos of your home.
You'll have a leg up when filling out a ballot at your Oscar party. Plus the host's jokes are a lot funnier when you get the references. We love leaning art as much as the next person, but there's something super satisfying about well-organized hanging art. Mix and match frames, prints, and colors for a one-of-a-kind statement that feels like you. Keep looking until you find the perfect deal; then order it. Try your hand at a jigsaw puzzle or a challenging online crossword.
One of the easiest ways to fight boredom is to curl up a good book and a cup of tea. But if you miss your book club, consider hosting an event online.
Apps like Zoom make it easy to turn your typical wine and cheese gathering into a digital experience with your friends and we have plenty of questions to help you keep the conversation going. If you're a Tolstoy fan, you can also join this community where folks are reading 12 pages a day of War and Peace and discussing it on the web. Beach waves , for example, suit just about every cut—from bobs to long tresses—but it's definitely a skill that takes awhile to master.
Why not use your free time to perfect the technique? Learn how to give yourself an at-home manicure —and, if you're feeling really brave, try your hand at some of the trendiest nail art right now. There's plenty of evidence that adult coloring books can help you cope with stress and anxiety, plus They will take time to complete. Another worthy option when you're bored?
This paint-by-numbers masterpiece recommended by Oprah herself. Bored, but have a lot on your mind? Write a quick letter to yourself. It'll serve as a special keepsake to offer you unique perspective when you need it later. Or, for more immediate satisfaction, make someone's day by surprising them with a piece of snail mail. There are plenty of apps and streaming services that'll help you get your sweat on—right from the comfort of your living room.
As if you needed an other excuse to don your comfiest yoga pants. Dust off those cookbooks or jump on the internet and pick out a new-to-you dish or cuisine.
Or, if you like to follow a plant-based diet, consider trying Oprah's Day meal plan for a recent challenge she did. No matter where your interests lie— inspirational finds for women , true crime , politics , and beyond—there's a podcast for you when you're bored. We dare you to suggest something more fun than belting out Disney's best songs , including classics like "A Whole New World" and new favorites like Frozen 2's "Into the Unknown.
Soft pajamas, a comforting meal, your favorite Netflix show, and a scented candle Whether you prefer a Moscow mule or a fall-inspired cocktail like a cranberry orange margarita, it can be fun to play mixologist for the night. You don't have to busy yourself to beat boredom. Instead, embrace the downtime by submerging yourself in a warm essential oil-infused bubble bath.
Research suggests meditation not only helps quell anxiety, but also improves focus, reduces stress, and promotes sleep.
Not sure where to start? There's a host of meditation apps that can help you zero in on your zen. Have trouble focusing? Squeeze a few drops of stress-busting essential oils —lavender, bergamot, and frankincense, for example—into your diffuser for an added calming effect. Feel like you listen to the same songs over and over again? Now's the time to curate both new favorites and 90s hits into playlists to enjoy while working out, lounging, or—eventually—partying with friends. In the meantime, though, try services like Spotify that have social components that allow you to make collaborative playlists with friends and other people around the world.
What's the quickest way to beat boredom? A treasure trove of fun games that'll have the whole family laughing in no time. If your camera roll has thousands of pictures on it and your cloud storage is dangerously low, now's the perfect time to get those gems off your phone and arranged into a personalized photo book that's sure to become a treasured family keepsake.
Your Best Life.
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