Unemployment has skyrocketed. Cases of COVID-19 are still rising in the US. People are figuring out how to deal with the stress—in addition to everything else going on in their lives.

Things can seem dire, which is why it’s more important than ever for all of us to take a moment to breathe. Remember what is important. Remember who is important. Figure out how to make the most of these tumultuous times.

And we have a suggestion. It’s times like these when we need to be grateful and celebrate our loved ones, even if they’re not physically right next to us. So, here are 7 tips and ideas for having fun and celebrating during the coronavirus quarantine.

Tips for having fun during the coronavirus

Whether you’re adjusting to life at home or on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some ideas to inspire you to take the time to celebrate your loved ones, and just try to make something good out of these moments.

Bring People Together While You’re Social Distancing

When it works, and everyone has it, technology keeps us connected in ways we didn’t think possible. Even if your friends and family are across town (or across the country), virtual hangouts and live streaming can help fill in some of the time you don’t get to spend in person.

Invite your friends and family for a virtual hangout

If you’re missing that chicken soup for the soul you usually get from family or friends, now is the time to share it over the wire or on the web. Be it a simple phone call or video chat, find ways to stay connected with the important people in your life.

And don’t be afraid to be a little stubborn about events and gatherings that have gotten canceled or postponed. If you were looking forward to something, try to still spend that time with those people. Invite your child’s class for a virtual birthday party since he didn’t get to spend it with his friends. Get your book club together over video chat. Have a Zoom party with your neighborhood association that would normally be shared over brunch.

Have a watch party

In addition to just video chatting, also consider spending virtual time together using a social streaming service. Apps like Metastream and Houseparty are offering deals right now that allow you to stream a show or movie, while chatting with your friends. It’s a movie night that keeps people safer.

Tune in to see local artists, musicians and craftsman do their thing

In lieu of stages and community centers, social media has exploded with live streams from people who are looking to share their talents. Keep an eye out on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitch to see how you can connect and support your community.

Take a work (or personal) call, on a walk

Walk around your neighborhood for a work call, or go on a hike while calling someone who would really love to hear from you right now. Just remember that the CDC recommends that you stay 6 feet apart from anyone you may come in contact with on the street or on the trails.

Have a Socially Isolated, Elaborate Date Night

Be it a date night, girls night, family time, or just ‘Me’ time, think of ways to make your normal night in special. A few of the ways we’ve seen people make something out of a low-key night in include:

• Get dressed up for takeout and a movie on the couch
• Order takeout from a local restaurant you haven’t ordered from before
• Create a scavenger hunt in your home or backyard
• Have a paint night with materials you have around the house
• Make a competition out of dinner (Who in your family makes the best ice-cream sundae?)
• Have a seeded tournament with your family’s favorite game
• Get your family to all commit to learning a new hobby and track your progress over several weeks

Marathon Your Favorite TV or Movies in a New Way

It’s easy to want to jampack this time with work—staying productive is a great way to curb anxiety in times of crisis. But, it’s also a necessity to take the time to unwind. Here are 4 ideas to turn your brain off and invigorate your quarantined entertainment:

• Reread or rewatch your favorite books or movie series in a different order. If you’re a comic book movie fan, rewatch the Marvel Cinematic Universe in chronological order, instead of the order they came out.
• Watch interviews and videos to learn the science or history behind the show you’re binging.
• Listen to behind the scenes accounts or watch director’s cuts of your favorite movies.
• Fall deep into a video game that’s designed to help you unplug. Games like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing and Sims are easy to pick up, even for beginners.

Have ideas or want to know about other topics related to COVID-19 and its impacts? Take this quick survey so we can learn about what information is most important to you at this time.

Also, keep tabs on the latest from Best Egg by visiting our COVID-19 updates page.