Being stuck at home is tough for many people. We’re so used to meeting in person, driving to/from work, dining out, etc., that it can feel like there’s nothing to do.
In fact, there are a lot of free, fun things you can do right from your own home. In some cases, you might even make new friends! Here are some of our favorites based on interests.
Connect to Your Local Community
Nextdoor App
Chatting across the fence to your neighbor (unless your shouting 6 feet apart) isn’t an option right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch with your neighbors. Nextdoor connects you with your local community for recommendations, events, and more!
Also, check out Facebook groups for your local area and/or shared interests.
Alignable
Small business owners rely on networking and recommendations. Many belong to local networking groups that can’t meet in person right now. Check out Alignable to network for free from the comfort of your own home.
Cooking Skills
Going out to eat isn’t an option right now. Take out is, but not all places are doing it. Why not use this time at home to learn to cook? Everything from basic skills to advanced techniques like kitchen chemistry can be found online. Try a cooking class or play with some new recipes. You might discover a new passion!
Workout
The gym may be closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work out.
Orangetheory, Rumble, 305 Fitness, and Planet Fitness are all offering free workouts online! If yoga’s more your thing, check out CorePower Yoga, Lululemon, and Abby Rose Yoga.
Learn Anything You Can Imagine
Being bored is no fun. Instead of binge-watching shows you’re not actually interested in seeing, learn something new! Free classes for anything you can imagine are online now. Give your brain a workout with Ivy League classes or other college-level courses. You can even earn a certificate in any of these 1000 areas.
If you’d rather exercise your creative side, Skillshare, Drawspace, and CreativeBug are all offering free online class options.
Broaden Your Horizons with Audio Books
Many audiobook services are offering free periods to help alleviate boredom. Audible usually requires a membership, but with this link, you can listen free simply by clicking “Start Listening.” Browse for your favorites or find something new.
The Internet Archive normally has a significant waitlist, but they’ve suspended that and are making all of their 1.4 million books available through June 30 or the end of the emergency, whichever is later.
Consider trying a new book series. Apple Books has many first-in-series free, so you can sample them before you sign on for the whole thing.
Which of these free online learning opportunities will you take advantage of while you’re stuck at home? Let us know in the comments!
