Finding Joy in Social Distancing
Photo Credit: Matt Logue, LA Weekly
Here at Girls Gone 50, we’re taking the Coranavirus seriously. We’re working from home, washing our hands to Broadway tunes, and drastically limiting our social contact. But we’ll be honest. We’re also taking the call for social distancing with a bit of guilty pleasure. The thought of canceling plans - no excuses necessary - sends a jolt through us kind of like driving through downtown LA at the actual speed limit.
We don’t mean to minimize the suffering of anybody who is personally affected, or the unprecedented seriousness of the situation. But we also see a silver lining in taking this time in our overscheduled lives to explore, think, organize, disconnect and reconnect with our priorities, our equilibrium, and the prospect of quieter times.
We wish everyone a safe and healthy month!
MIND TRAVEL
You may be staying close to home but these books will take your mind to far away places. Click on each book cover below to learn more about our recent favorite novels, mysteries, humor books, and a rockin’ autobiography.
Read or listened to any good books lately? Share your recommendations with everyone in the comments section at the end.
LIVE & INTERACTIVE ONLINE YOGA CLASSES
Whether you’re opting to keep a safe distance from your fellow yogis or just too lazy to leave the house, these live yoga and meditation classes at Yogaia.com were pretty great. Live classes give you the option to switch on your webcam so the instructor can see you practice, and provide tips and personal guidance.
We turned our webcam on for a live neck and shoulder class with Kali, who gave us a shout out by name and noted that it was our first class. Then she welcomed a half dozen other people to class by name and we got started. Participants cannot see each other, thank goodness.
KNITTING CLASSES ONLINE
We’re all in need of stress relief right now, and knitting has been proven to have a slew of health benefits. Dr. Herbert Benson, a pioneer in mind/body medicine and author of The Relaxation Response, says that the repetitive action of needlework can induce a relaxed state like that associated with meditation and yoga. But you get a cute hat or a cable-knit sweater at the end.
Take beginner to advanced knitting classes online at Bluprint. And buy the whole knit and kaboodle here.
NETFLIX PARTY
Now this is our kind of party. Gather your friends online and watch your favorite Netflix picks together from the comfort of your favorite pajamas. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favorite Netflix shows. So you can dish without actually having to bring one to the party.
STREAMING
Click on each of the series, movies, and podcast titles below to start streaming.
What’s keeping you up at night? Share your top binges with everyone in the comment section at the end.
1950 -1960 CLASSIC MOVIES
FAVORITE PODCASTS
MASTER SOMETHING
We’re surprised we even got this post out, we got so immersed in the wealth of online Master Class offerings. An all-access pass is $180 for 12 months of beautifully produced video lesson series, workbooks, and class feedback from Masters in the culinary arts, writing, film and TV, science and technology, business and politics. We’ve already signed up to learn home cooking from Chez Panisse icon, Alice Waters. A TV writing class with Scandal creator Shona Rhimes. And a creativity and leadership class with Condé Nast artistic director Anna Wintour.
Alice Waters, Master Class on Home Cooking
Shonda Rhimes, Master Class on Writing for TV
ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, BAKE!
It’s all here. Paul’s and Mary’s signature bakes. Technical challenges. And, of course, the showstoppers. There are step-by-step photographs to help guide novice or practiced bakers through the more complicated techniques. Stunning photography accompanies the 120 recipes throughout. Best of all, the only competition is you.
Order it here: The Great British Bake-Off Big Book of Baking
CREATE ORDER IN CHAOTIC TIMES
From our friend Jennifer: “A friend asked what I did this week-end. I hesitated and then I shared with her that I cleaned our laundry room. I texted her a photo, and she wrote back……OMG!!!!! This absolutely gives me the chills…..it’s SO GOOD!!! Organization is the best. Once I’ve organized a room, a cabinet, a shelf - it seems like everything is right with the world.”
Read our repost, Tidy Your Mental Space, for more tips.
I bought matching plastic bins, a label maker, and my favorite - a silver wall broom holder from Amazon.com
HIKE WITH YOUR BFF
According to a recent study, spending just 20 minutes in a place where you feel connected to nature causes a drop in stress hormones. Likewise, another study found that petting a dog for just 10 minutes has a significant impact on reducing levels of cortisol.
Combine the two for a super hit of well-being. And thanks to this guide to dog-friendly hiking trails throughout California, we’re off!
In some, but not all of the links above, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A great depiction of social distancing. Click here to watch how it really works!
