10 Things to Do During Self-Isolation this WeekBy Angelica Malin
Staying in is the new going out. For the foreseeable future, our weekly ‘What’s On’ guides have been transformed into… ‘What’s In’ guides. Every Monday morning, we’ll be serving up 10 ideas for things to do inside – from home delivery food to great books to read – in a bid to keep away boredom and keep the UK safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. Now, here’s 10 things to do at home this week:
1. LISTEN TO THIS: Alonement Podcast
This new podcast by journalist Francesca Specter is the balm for the soul that we all need right now. In a society that all too often describes solo time negatively, this is a podcast dedicated to celebrating alonement – the joy of spending time alone. The alonement podcast is a show about the joy of solo time, and its role in developing your relationship with yourself. For series one, Francesca has interviewed a high-profile lineup including Alain de Botton and Jada Sezer about the time they spend alone and why it matters. Episodes are released weekly every Friday – you can subscribe here.
2. WORKOUT WITH THIS: Fiit
Fiit is the #1 rated fitness app with hundreds of classes led by the most in demand trainers — from HIIT to yoga. If you’re looking to get sweaty whilst self-isolating, Fiit is the perfect workout platform for you. They have 25 minute & 40 minute classes, led by some of the UK’s top fitness instructors, all to be enjoyed in the comfort of your living room. They have a free 14-day trial too, so what are you waiting for?
3. HIT THE BARRE: Studio One
Speaking of online workouts, London favourite Studio One has transformed into a virtual studio with daily barre and yoga classes. You can join their virtual studio for FREE if you are a member or as little as £19.99 a month for non-members. Enjoy videos and classes on demand from the comfort of our own home – get £10 off with STARTNOW code as well as 3 days free trial.
4. GET A CULTURE FIX: JewishOnline
JewishOnline is JW3’s new resource for the entire Jewish community bringing together the widest range of Jewish content in one place for all your needs. They have created a free one-stop-shop to access Jewish events, talks, synagogue services, cultural activities, arts performances, Jewish films, family programming and much more – from across the incredible British Jewish community. JW3 also has lots of their talks and events to watch online via JW3 TV.
5. READ THIS: This Too Shall Pass by Julia Samuel
If change is the natural order of things, why do so many people struggle with the milestones of life – from first jobs and first loves to children leaving home and retirement? We live in a culture of limitless choice – and life is now more complex than ever. In This Too Shall Pass, acclaimed psychotherapist Julia Samuel draws on hours of conversations with her patients to show how we can learn to adapt and thrive during our most difficult and transformative experiences. Illuminated by the latest social and psychological research, this book unflinchingly deals with the hard times in family, love, work, health and identity. Buy here and see more book recommendations here.
6. WATCH THIS: Self-Made on Netflix
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker is a new limited edition mini series on Netflix, which was released on Friday. It’s based on the biography On Her Own Ground by A’Lelia Bundles, and stars the brilliant Octavia Spencer as the protagonist. Self Made tells the untold and highly irreverent story of black hair care pioneer and mogul Madam C. J. Walker and how she overcame hostile turn-of-the-century America, epic rivalries, tumultuous marriages and some trifling family to become America’s first Black, self-made female millionaire. We totally loved it!
7. MEDITATE ON THIS: Calm
Calm is the #1 app for sleep, relaxation and meditation in the world. During this tough times, we all need a bit of rest and relaxation – I know for me, inner peace feels like a million miles away. They have guided meditations for everything from sleep to anxiety on the app, and lots of free resources on their blog too. You can try Calm for free here.
8. EAT THIS: Bad Brownie Co.
It’s time to support small businesses and what better way than a delicious brownie delivery to your home. Bad Brownie Co make the most incredible, decadent brownies – take our word for it, they are the most fudgy, gooey, tasty brownies in town. We love their whacky flavours like salted caramel, peanut butter, triple chocolate, bacon & maple syrup and more. Order today here!
9. DOWNLOAD THIS: Audible
During this pandemic, Audible has kindly made 100s of titles free to download. They’ve got an amazing range of audiobooks to download, including literary classes, books for little kids and tweens. If you’ve always wanted to read Jane Eyre but never got around to it, now’s your moment. See the full range of audiobooks here.
10. COOK WITH THIS: Tin Can Cook
Fancy getting creative but don’t have tons of fresh ingredients? This is a good time to cook from Jack Monroe’s Tin Can Cook, with includes 75 simple store cupboard recipes. There’s everything from Red Lentil and Mandarin Curry to Catalan Fish Stew and Pina Colada Toast and many more delicious and creative ideas – simple and affordable, Tin Can Cook takes cooking back to the basics: making great-tasting food with ordinary ingredients. Buy here and see more reading inspiration here.
