We’d be lying if we said more time at home wasn’t without its drawbacks. Whether you’ve maxed out your data from one too many Netflix binges (is it just us or is Kath and Kim better a third time around?), or have been forced to padlock your fridge (and/or pantry) to avoid hourly snack sojourns; the past few weeks have been an adjustment… to say the least. For those feeling a little creatively sluggish, or in need of new (and #iso friendly) ways to quash that quarantine boredom, we’ve rounded up five creative ways to keep that inspiration high. All without leaving your living room.
VISIT A (VIRTUAL) ART EXHIBIT
What better way to satiate your inner art-nerd than with a virtual tour of one or more iconic art hubs, and thanks to new advancements in digital technology, you can now do just that – via your smartphone or laptop, no less.
Whether yours is a penchant for post modernism, or a love of high renaissance frescoes, peruse through countless iconic works via each site’s virtual exhibition portal.
Our local favourites? Browse through countless epochal pieces via the Art Gallery of NSW’s Virtual Gallery Tour, check out the National Gallery of Victoria’s Keith Haring x Jean Michel Basquait creative retrospective or recap this years’ Biennale of Sydney.
As for international art lovers?
Take a tour through New York City’s iconic Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, soak in a little culture at Tate Modern in London or take a multi-sensory trip through infinity with The Broad, Los Angeles.
LOSE YOURSELF TO DANCE
Now is truly a time to dance like no-one’s watching (unless of course, you have low windows or a house mate).
Whether you’re looking to up your TikTok game or simply get your muscles moving, there’s nothing like a quick jig, whip or nay-nay to get those endorphins flowing.
Need a little help on the choreography front? Sydney Dance Company are offering a lineup of online classes via their Virtual Studio, with one-off drop-ins and weekly memberships available.
Added bonus: you can boogie in your boxers. A win on all fronts.
If classes aren’t your thing, try a little freestyle. We’ve had this (visually superb) dance film by Hania Rani on repeat…
SINK YOUR TEETH INTO A GOOD READ
It’s been said that a reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, and in this spell of limited motion, a good book can be a heaven send.
Dive into an enthralling narrative or engage your spiritual side with provoking prose; there is truly no time like the present to lose yourself amidst new (or worn) pages.
Our Fiction Reading List:
- The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, by Joël Dicker
- My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante
- Nine Perfect Strangers, by Liane Moriarty
- Outline, by Rachel Cusk
- The Tattooist of Auschwitz, by Heather Morris
Our Non Fiction Reading List:
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***, by Mark Manson
- Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert
- The Art of Happiness, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
- Steal Like An Artist, by Austin Kleon
- The Architecture of Happiness, by Alain de Botton
HONE A HOBBY OR TAKE UP A NEW SKILL
On first thought, hobbies can feel a little frivolous or unnecessary, especially during times of crisis or uncertainty.
On the contrary, if you peer a little closer… these pastimes (or fits of fancy, if you will) can be so much more. Hobbies can be an accessible means of connecting with our true passions; a key to otherwise neglected components of our identities.
Investing time (lord knows we have plenty of it RN) into an old hobby, or honing a new skillset, is not only a great way to past time, but also an engaging ways of keeping your mind sharp during a professional lull.
In fact, research has found that such activities are not only stress-relieving, but also perfect for improving both physical and mental health. Something we could all use a little more of during times of high anxiety.
Sit in on an art class with Cork and Canvas, partake in a virtual wine tasting with Innocent Bystander, learn a new language through Rosetta Stone or Duo Lingo or experience any number of virtual adventures via Airbnb’s new experience portal.
The scope is endless.
TRAVEL THE WORLD... WITHOUT EVER LEAVING
With outbound travel a near impossible outlook for the next few months (sigh), many have been forced to put their travel plans (and dreams) on pause.
But a temporary ban on international travel doesn’t have to score complete, geographic isolation.
We know. It’s not quite the real thing, but thanks to our mates at Google (and sophisticated, 360 image capture), you can still view some of the world’s most breathtaking sites… without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Or a long haul flight for that matter. How? Simply head to Google Maps and search your dream destination with the Street View function.
Our favourites? Paris from atop the Sacré-Coeur Montmartre, London City from the Shard, and NYC’s iconic cityscape from Top of the Rock.
Want a little live action? Head to EarthCam’s Webcam Network for real-time recaps that zone in on a plethora of international cities and regions. Bon Voyage.