As the Utah government encourages everyone to stay at home as much as possible, you and your family may be feeling edgy and overwhelmed. Fortunately, here’s a list of activities that may bring some fun and laughter right into your home:
1. Learn How to Make Cocktails
The bartenders in Salt Lake City are more than ready to serve your favorite beers, wines, and margaritas when conditions improve. They can bring the party to the workplace, favorite venue, or at your doorstep.
While you wait for that time, you can learn a few cocktail recipes straight from these professionals. These are easy, delicious ones using many ingredients that may already be in your pantry or bar.
Even better, sipping these drinks provides you some ideas about cocktail menus these bars serve. You can already decide which ones are your favorite.
You can also take these lessons with your friends and colleagues, because, let’s face it, everybody needs to relax.
2. Travel Around the (Virtual) World
Are you itching to see the world? You can do that too without even having to pack your stuff. You don’t even need to pay a fortune for a plane ticket or accommodation!
Buzzfeed has one of the best curations of virtual places that Utahns can travel. In front of the PC or the television, you can bring yourself and your family to the Great Wall of China today and then Peru tomorrow.
From the Louvre in France to the Smithsonian in the US, many world-renowned museums now allow everyone to take a peek on their vast collections—for free. If you can’t get enough of the outdoors, you can go to Google Earth to see the majesty of the Zion National Park.
3. Skype a Scientist
Teaching children these days is difficult, especially if you don’t know much about the subject. Why don’t you get help from the experts then?
You and your kids can sign up for a Skype a Scientist program. The website will give you access to hundreds of scientists around the globe, specializing in many fields. From marine biology to astronomy—the sky’s the limit (no pun intended).
The system can match you or the children to a scientist, or you can use the handy search tool if you have someone in mind.
4. Grow Your Food
Self-sufficiency can go a long way these days. This is especially true with a food garden. It can help lower your grocery bills and improve your health and well-being.
In a 2017 meta-analysis, the scientists found an association between the activity and reduced risk of depression and anxiety. People also reported lower body mass index and higher overall life satisfaction.
If you can’t access your local nursery today, you can start by growing food from scraps. These include lettuce, carrots, onion, ginger, bok choy, and garlic. Herbs are also easy to grow, and you can dry them later so they can last longer.
If you don’t have a big plot or yard for a raised bed, you can consider doing container gardening. Another option is vertical urban farming, where you use walls and rooftops.
It’s valid to be anxious, confused, sad, and lost during these times. Know, though, that you’re not alone in this. You can take it one day at a time and find joy in these activities.
