Tips for staying OK during Coronavirus Hibernation
Many of us have retreated to the home environment to help slow the spread of Coronavirus - like bears hibernating. This is an important societal contribution to ensure the health system has enough resources to look after everyone.
But this isolation can cause us to feel cut off, lonely, anxious about the illness, bored, inactive and cooped up. When I talk with people about this, you have been telling me your strategies for coping. These conversations prompted me to make this page, to share your great ideas with others. The sites below are free unless a price is mentioned and are ok for all ages. See also External Links for telephone counselling supports - reach out if you feel down. |
Amusement: Have fun and connect with others.
skribbl.io Create a character and a private room. Send your friend the link. Guess the word from each other’s drawings. Easy to use and engaging.
HouseParty On your phone or tablet, download HouseParty App and create an account. Your friend does the same. Invite your friend to Join. Click on the die and play timed games where you take in turns to guess. Trivia and charade-like games.
Netflix Party You need Netflix and Chrome browser. From Chrome, each friend to install Netflix Party. You can then watch the same movie at the same time. Pause and share your comments to each other. Add an extra dimension by video calling simultaneously (eg. Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts).
Sick of tellie but can't afford movie subscriptions? Check out ABC iView and SBS On Demand.
Couch Choir Heart warming musical productions with participation from people in their homes around the world. A lovely example is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HezxInuN1YA
Tabletop Simulator on Steam Play board games interactively. $14 one off payment per person for a range of favourites (eg. checkers, monopoly). Everyone needs a Steam account and be friends on that platform (free). Be in a call at the same time so you can talk.
OR host your own gathering via Skype, Zoom or FaceTime. Set a fun theme eg. a dinner party where everyone has the same type of food (as though you are ordering from the same restaurant) or a coffee chat or tea party, where everyone brings a beverage, have a bake-off where you all cook something at the same time, or celebrate somebody's birthday and each person brings a piece of cake and a candle. The limit to this concept of online gathering is only your imagination!
Visit zoos and art galleries online: eg. Tune into zoo-keeping at Australian Reptile Park (ARP) - ARP TV (2pm daily) and Zoos Victoria have set up a few live stream cameras from Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. Or explore art at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) online access and virtual tour of the gallery.
HouseParty On your phone or tablet, download HouseParty App and create an account. Your friend does the same. Invite your friend to Join. Click on the die and play timed games where you take in turns to guess. Trivia and charade-like games.
Netflix Party You need Netflix and Chrome browser. From Chrome, each friend to install Netflix Party. You can then watch the same movie at the same time. Pause and share your comments to each other. Add an extra dimension by video calling simultaneously (eg. Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts).
Sick of tellie but can't afford movie subscriptions? Check out ABC iView and SBS On Demand.
Couch Choir Heart warming musical productions with participation from people in their homes around the world. A lovely example is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HezxInuN1YA
Tabletop Simulator on Steam Play board games interactively. $14 one off payment per person for a range of favourites (eg. checkers, monopoly). Everyone needs a Steam account and be friends on that platform (free). Be in a call at the same time so you can talk.
OR host your own gathering via Skype, Zoom or FaceTime. Set a fun theme eg. a dinner party where everyone has the same type of food (as though you are ordering from the same restaurant) or a coffee chat or tea party, where everyone brings a beverage, have a bake-off where you all cook something at the same time, or celebrate somebody's birthday and each person brings a piece of cake and a candle. The limit to this concept of online gathering is only your imagination!
Visit zoos and art galleries online: eg. Tune into zoo-keeping at Australian Reptile Park (ARP) - ARP TV (2pm daily) and Zoos Victoria have set up a few live stream cameras from Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. Or explore art at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) online access and virtual tour of the gallery.
Physical and Mental Well-being: Dont let isolation get you down.
Balance Meditation Program that helps you set goals based on your personal needs. Basic program is free.
Smiling Mind Free app with a multitude of meditations.
Elevate (app) ; Lumosity (online) Brain Training programs with limited freebies.
Adriene Free at home Yoga lessons for Beginners. Click on the name to go there.
centre.com Online gym & yoga classes catering to your fitness level. One week free and then $10 per month, cancel any time.
Get out and walk or take a drive, or enjoy your access to a backyard / balcony as often as you can... get sun and be in nature.
Smiling Mind Free app with a multitude of meditations.
Elevate (app) ; Lumosity (online) Brain Training programs with limited freebies.
Adriene Free at home Yoga lessons for Beginners. Click on the name to go there.
centre.com Online gym & yoga classes catering to your fitness level. One week free and then $10 per month, cancel any time.
Get out and walk or take a drive, or enjoy your access to a backyard / balcony as often as you can... get sun and be in nature.
Helpful Info: Look after your mental & physical health, know your eligibility for financial support, explore discounted at-home courses and view the local area .
| aps-maintainingmentalhealth_duringsocialisolation.pdf |
| apsfor_older_adults.pdf |
| higher_education_relief_package_-_frequently_asked_questions_|_department_of_education_skills_and_employment.pdf |
