Indoor Recreation

The sun is shining, birds are chirping but the world seems a bit quieter outside now that Chicagoans are under a Shelter in Place order during the global pandemic. While our normal tech-heavy lives have somewhat prepared us for isolation; remaining inside for prolonged time can have an adverse effect on one’s mentality. If you find yourself pacing back and forth or looking out the window ominously; try a few of these items below that can help pass the time.

 Museum Digital Tours

We may be stuck inside; but that doesn’t mean we can’t travel the globe with a bit of imagination. Museums around the world offer free digital tours of their most popular exhibits and galleries. Many of these tours offer audio information to add the effect of a proper guided tour. Follow these links and start exploring the treasures of the world from the couch.

Feeling claustrophobic or need to see some open space? Explore the vast Yosemite National Park with sites like the Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove of Gian Sequoias while hearing the sounds of nature around you. Being stuck inside can dampen one’s mood and nothing works better to ease that than hearing nature. If, however, you are feeling more artistically inclined; stay-at-homers can wander the halls the world famous Louvre where exhibits such as the Galerie d’Apollon and Egyptian Antiquities are on display.  Although if you rather venture a little closer to home over the Internet; look no further than our own Art Institute of Chicago and tour the halls adorned with art from around the world.

Humans are social creatures by nature, and prolonged isolation can begin to have negative consequences. Thankfully; a plethora of digital communications is ready to help ease the burden of a quarantine.

Everyone loves a good movie night with friends and the popular movie streaming service is here to save the day during a Shelter in Place order. Netflix Party is easy to use for anyone with a desktop / laptop Chrome browser. Simply download the extension for Netflix Party; invite some friends online and voila, the movie playback is synced to all the computers and includes a chat box for those who need to ask hundreds of questions or to share in a scare or boisterous digital laugh. This shareable experience will help the days and nights pass by.

Group Video Chats: This isn’t a new technology, but it has come a long way since it’s inception to the mass public. FaceTime; Messenger and Google Hangouts all allow multi-person video chat that can bring your friends or family into your home. Simple daily events such as eating dinner can become more enjoyable and social with a digital dinner party with several online loved ones.

Lastly; perhaps this Shelter in Place becomes a mostly “you time” and social distancing is nothing to sweat. Even the Chicago Public Library is closed; numerous books are available to check out online. What better way to escape then with a good book and a little imagination.