10 free resources (from dancing and music to kid’s activities and audiobooks) to try while you’re in lockdown
By Cathy Carey
01st Apr 2020
01st Apr 2020
Not sure how you’re going to stay sane for another two weeks of this? Keep everyone in the household busy with these free resources to try while on lockdown.
One of the unfortunate consequences of being on lockdown is the feeling that, by staying safe within four walls, very few surprising or unexpected things could come out of the days ahead. Even with a regular schedule, the unplanned twists and turns of a normal week keep life interesting, and as our range of motion gets smaller and our interactions more predictable, it’s important to try new activities that keep the body fresh and the mind engaged.
So, with that, we’ve put together some (free) suggestions to help you explore something fun, different, and maybe even productive while you’re spending time at home. Check out this list, and if you’ve got anything to add, let us know!
NPR’s Live Music List
NPR’s list of live virtual concerts are updated daily with new links with performances from big names and a host of different genres. They’ve posted pop acts like Christine and the Queens, classical concerts from the Vienna State Opera, and charity fundraisers with the likes Elton John and Billie Eilish so far. Stay up-to-date on what’s live here!
Disney Plus 7-day Free Trial
If you haven’t already heard about this one, get on it! Like Netflix for big kids, you can watch all of the Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies you like for a week for free, just click here.
Art-house Films
If you’re looking for something a little more arty, sign up for a free trial with Mubi or Criterion. They offer a rotating selection of classic, contemporary and independent films from world-renowned directors that changes month to month.
SXSW Short Films
This year Austin’s South by Southwest festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19, so the short films that were due to show there have been posted online instead. These shorts are from new and emerging voices in film and would only be available to festival-goers otherwise–watch them here.
The eLibrary
Yes, you read it right – we’re suggesting you take full advantage of the public library from the comfort of your couch. It has audiobooks and ebooks you can borrow and download for free, and if you don’t have an account, you can set up a virtual one at Libraries Ireland. Once you’ve done that, download an app like BorrowBox or rbdigital, connect your account, and start reading/listening all year round.
Sweatfest with Ryan Heffington
You do not, I repeat do not have to be any good at dancing for this class, hosted by Ryan Heffington, the choreographer behind Sia’s “Chandelier” music video.. All that’s required is an Instagram account, some space in your living room or bedroom to bop along in, and a bit of booty-shaking attitude. The classes run mid-week from Tuesday to Thursday, and weekends. Bonus points if you set up a video conference and get your friends and family involved.
Live Yoga Classes with Himalaya Yoga Cork
Take a break in the mornings to relax and restore with Himalaya Yoga Cork on Zoom. Instructors are giving free live daily classes at 11am. Get the link for sign up on their Twitter page.
Living Room Sessions with The House of Beautiful Business
Described as “a global think tank and community founded to explore the human future of work”, The House of Beautiful Business has opened its thought-provoking Living Room Sessions to outside participants for free until the end of April on Zoom. With topics like “Going Nowhere: The Art of Stillness in a World That Can’t Stop Moving” upcoming this week, there will be plenty of inspiring ideas to make you stop and think.
Skillshare Masterclasses
If you have an hour (or even ten minutes) to spare, indulge your brain in a free masterclass with respected experts and well-known companies in creative industries from all over the world. You could learn to chop like a chef, pick up tips on caring for your house plants, or get pointers on setting up a home podcasting studio.
Class Central
If you’d like to try longer-form academic pursuits, check out Class Central – a search portal where you’ll find links to audit free online courses from over 900 universities, including top Ivy League colleges. There, you can upskill from your home office to your heart’s content.
And finally, a bonus addition for the little ones:
Kids’ Art Classes with Artzone
Dublin-based art school Artzone is hosting mid-morning free live art classes for kids of all ages on their social channels right now! Find them on Instagram and Facebook and get involved with painting, collage, and lots of artsy fun.
Read more: 8 binge-worthy TV shows worth re-watching if you need a covid-19 break
Read more: 9 Irish cookbooks that will see you through self-isolation
Read more: Bored at home? 5 online courses you can do for free
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