How to keep the kids entertained during the coronavirus outbreak (and tips to maintain your mental health)

If you are stuck at home self-isolating and already bored for things to or struggling to keep the kids entertained, I've created this huge list of things. As a writer/book editor I do a lot of research, so I’ve stumbled across a lot of cool stuff on the internet (keep it clean, kids) and I really love making lists :D

1000s of things to do when bored:

·  This site has links to OVER 300 virtual tours of museums, exhibits, points of special interest, and real-time journeys. You could watch several a day for months! ?? https://www.virtualfreesites.com/museums.museums.html

·  https://classicreload.com has over 6000+ console games preserved for future generations and is free to use!

·  https://www.myabandonware.com

·  https://www.old-games.com

·  https://www.bestoldgames.net/eng/

·  Ever tried six degrees of separation with music? Enter two radically different songs on this website and see how they connect through a playlist it creates: https://static.echonest.com/BoilTheFrog/

·   Set up a Goodreads Challenge account and add books to your to be read (TBR) list for the year ahead. You can check out other people’s recommendations and add them to your own list. https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/11621-2020-reading-challenge

·  Check out www.radio.garden and www.radiooooo.com to listen to music from all over the world and also music dating back to the 1900s. 

·  www.forgotify.com to check out songs that pretty much no one has listened to - maybe we could make a few of these famous! ??

·  Curious about space? This is a single pixel scroller to see the scaled-down distance between the planets. Takes a while to get along - great if you love to ‘left swipe’ ??https://joshworth.com/dev/pixelspace/pixelspace_solarsystem.html

·  Or for a way more visual version, check out this video which is epic and will have you feeling pretty insignificant ?? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i93Z7zljQ7I

·  Virtually experience Walt Disney World attractions, shows, trains, boats, and more within an interactive 360o video environment: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYyJUEtYv-ZW7BgjhP3UbTg

·  boredbutton.com - click this and it’ll send you to a completely random website! 

·  This is going to be tough with young kids so share ideas to entertain them... When I was a kids’ entertainer I loved getting interactive with We’re Going On A Bear Hunt - walk around the house getting stuck in mud and holding hands to get over the wobbly bridge! 

·  If you’ve got some binge-worthy TV recommendations or Netflix suggestions, comment below and let’s share ?? For obvious reasons I’ve not included anything horror or contagion themed but lately, I’ve been watching - Shows: The Good Place, Sex Education, The Witcher, October Faction, Titans, Good Witch, Timeless. Movies: Close, Spencer Confidential, Self Made, All the Bright Places, Holiday in the Wild, Every Day, The Hustle, Wonderwoman

·  I know it’s absolutely not the same but if you are missing out on a trip and off work anyway, why not try this instead. Turn up your heating, pour a fancy cocktail, apply summer-scented moisturiser, lay down a beach towel, and choose from this map of nature sounds: https://www.naturesoundmap.com/listing-type/rainforests/Really stretching the imagination with this one but could be fun haha

·  It has to be said since I’m a book editor, write a book. @hautebooks Instead of waiting until you retire, start writing that novel or self-help book now. If you don’t have free hands because you have kids or pets or too much to do, try dictating the words to text using your phone. Notes on iPhone has a microphone ??on the keyboard ?? 

·  Stuck at home and bored - try a new hobby! Drawing, painting, digital art, singing, piano, baking, gaming, knitting - most of these can even be done online even if you don’t have the real tools to do it traditionally! You could even check out Marie Kondo’s Netflix tidying series and super-organise your home - hey, desperate times...??

Some advice for maintaining your mental health in isolation...

·  If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or any mental health condition then ask for help. Avoid stress and the news, limit your time on social media, spend time watching happy movies.

·  Stop watching the news on repeat - the media is designed to draw attention with a hook. Turn off the TV and put on some music and dance ????It's not only the physical activity, but music also affects the mind. It releases your DOSE (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins)

·  Listen to the song, Weightless (YouTube link below), it written “specifically to reduce anxiety, blood pressure and heart rate. Working with sound therapists, the band incorporated scientific theory to unlock the “world's most relaxing song.“ Test results showed a 65% reduction in participants' overall anxiety as well as a 35% reduction in their usual physiological resting rates. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcAVejslrU

·  Create a circle of contact - people you can trust who will check in with each other frequently. This could be IRL friends/family or a virtual community. Social media friends, gamer communities, family group chats, find your circle! Agree how often to check in and to keep things positive - don’t just text, call and talk, really talk!

·  If you live alone, keep a radio on with background music and try to call someone at least twice a day - a friend/family member/colleague Isolation does not mean you are cut off from the world, keep in touch <3

·  If you live in a block, swap details and message each other - particularly if you have elderly neighbours. You never know, they might know some survival tips from the incredible history they’ve seen and you might just make some new friends.

·  If someone on your social media is spreading fake news or constantly scaremongering, click into their profile and switch them to snooze. You could also use this as a great opportunity to unfollow anyone who makes you feel bad about yourself or negative about things. 

Some great tips for staying safe and stocked:

·  Only get your info from trusted sources! It goes without saying that those who have stuff to sell will benefit from scaremongering and press want traffic. Check out the CDC and WHO: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.htmland https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public - they even have a #mythbusters section! ????

·  Cleaning is not the same as disinfecting - diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective but still wise to take other precautions such as distancing and non contact hellos (namaste, elbow bumps, a nod and smile)

·  Go through your cupboards and figure out what meals you can make with what you have. Again, speak to the elderly in your community - I’ll bet they can share some interesting recipes ??

·  Used to living off restaurant or takeaway food and now find yourself cooking at home? If you’re unsure what to do, check out YouTube channels for recipes - look for reputable and recognisable channels. If you need to thaw something frozen, the safest method is to transfer it to the fridge and just let it thaw overnight (or longer, depending on size/weight).

·  Most supermarkets have delivery options so write down a sensible list of what you actually need and place an order so you can avoid going to stores.

·  Do try to shop local as small businesses are REALLY struggling right now. If you don’t feel comfortable going to get your hair/nails done or going out for dinner then buy a gift voucher. Not only will you be saving a small business owner from potentially losing their business and staff from losing their jobs but you’ll have something to look forward to in the future once this all settles down again.

Look for the ones who are helping! There are so many people helping others and sharing and encouraging positivity #bekind

Remember, this too shall pass.

Stick to the facts and be kind to yourself and others. ??

Love Kirsten xo

Book Editor & Author Coach

www.makemeasuccess.co.uk