Staying at home doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
While we might be limited in what we’re able to do from the confines of our four walls, there is also plenty of opportunity to try new things and stay connected to the hobbies you love most.
We’re fortunate in this day and age that we have the digital world at our fingertips, and this is how some of us at CatholicCare are using it to our advantage during isolation!
Dance like no one is watching
I’ve been going to Latin dance classes for several years now and I must admit I am missing it terribly while in isolation. But a few weeks ago, my daughter and I had great fun dancing along to a Boogie at Home free online dance class by Born to Boogie Dance Connection. I would never have dreamed of doing a contemporary dance class, but I found it easy to break out of my salsa comfort zone while in the privacy of my own home. What a perfect way to stay fit while having precious fun times with my daughter!
Also try: YouTube tutorials, or google ‘free dance class online’
Live music in your lounge room
As a fan of Melbourne’s live music scene, the closure of pubs and music venues and the cancellation of music festivals and concerts hit me hard. Fortunately, Melbourne’s music community aren’t taking COVID-19 lying down. Last Thursday, I logged onto Facebook to watch local muso Henry Wagons perform a brilliant ‘Lounge Room Session’. With my headset on I could enjoy Henry’s music while dancing around the kitchen. I even got a shout out from Henry at the end when he read out some of the comments left from an appreciative audience.
Also try: Isol-Aid festival on Instagram; deliveredlive.com.au
Virtual tours for all ages
Both the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) and Melbourne Museum make for a great outing with friends, family and particularly the kids! But we know visiting them isn’t an option right now...
Not to fret, though! Both NGV and Melbourne Museum now have some free virtual tours and online activities so you can experience all they have to offer from the comfort of your four walls. Check them out here: NGV and here: Melbourne Museum.
The show must go on
If theatre is your thing (I know it’s certainly mine!) and you’re craving to watch a stunning performance – Look. No. Further. No one will judge you as you sing or dance along to these free streams of musicals and ballet. And if they do, encourage them to join in and have some fun! This Saturday 11 April, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” will stream live on The Show Must Go On YouTube channel; The Sleeping Beauty production by The Australian Ballet is available up until 17 April; and you can catch a virtual tour and a stream of One Man, Two Guvnors on the Melbourne Theatre Company website!
Arts and crafts for the soul
There’s nothing quite like doing arts and crafts. I find it’s one of the ways I can get everything off my mind and become lost in my own little world – which is a real blessing during crazy and anxious times like this. And fortunately, there’s many crafts that use regular everyday items you can find around the home. Clay modelling is a great example! There are plenty of recipes on YouTube to make your own air-drying clay, and a great variety of clay modelling tutorials on Skillshare!
Bernadette Garcia, Director of Communications, Fundraising and Marketing
Liz Gellel, Communications Coordinator
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