I first want to acknowledge that social distancing during COVID19 is a privilege. I’m thankful to have a job where I can work remotely and that I even still have a job. I’m also incredibly thankful for all key-workers who are working tirelessly to ensure that everything is safe.
None of these recommendations will truly save us during this global pandemic, but they’ll likely put a smile on your face and make things a little better, even for just a few moments.
Stay safe out there, and let me know in the comments below what your favorite tip / resource is that you’ve been using in your own life during this time?
Podcast Recommendations
Listening to podcasts while I’m working isn’t anything new, but I sure have loved being able to listen to them out loud!
Here are a few of my most-listened to during this time –
- Monica & Jess Love Boys (Part of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard) – Monica (Dax’s co-host on Armchair Expert) and Jess (one of Monica’s and Dax’s close friends) did a ten part series with them meeting with experts and trusted advisors to learn more about relationships and what is holding them back from having successful ones.
- The Shrink Next Door – this podcast (part of the Wondery portfolio, if you’re familiar) follows one psychiatrist who has completely manipulated the life of one of his clients.
Check out more on my podcast page.
Dallas Restaurants
I completely recognize that these recommendations are not applicable to all of you, but the concept is – support local!
My roommate and I made the choice to support our local restaurants on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I’ve pulled together a list of both the restaurants we’ve supported and the ones that we’ve planning on purchasing from.
We started a shared note on our phones to check off once we’ve gone, but I figured a map would be easier for you. If a restaurant has multiple locations I’ve added all of them in the Dallas area just in case one is closer to you that another.
Cassie’s pick: the Hot Dang (Nashville hot chicken) from Whistle Britches
Allison’s pick: loaded tater tots and $5 frozen margaritas at Addison Ice House
Any Dallas area restaurants we need to add to our list? Let me know in the comments below!
Movie Marathon
My roommate Cassie and I have started a giant movie marathon we’ve called “Isolation Theatre 3000.” It has been something that we look forward to each night and helps us to power through the workday.
Here’s what we’ve watched so far –
| Descendants 1, 2, & 3 | John Wick 1, 2, & 3 | Stick It |
| The Princess Diaries | The Matrix 1, 2, & 3 | The Twilight Series |
| Crazy Rich Asians | Percy Jackson Series | Bend It Like Beckham |
| Burlesque | Beetlejuice | Love. Wedding. Repeat |
What movie should we watch next? Leave your recommendations in the comments below.
Working From Home Tips
- Keep a notebook next to you for random thoughts that pop into your mind. Instead of immediately going and doing X task around the house, write it down. For example, today I thought about how I wanted to mail a few letters to friends. Instead of disturbing my work flow, I quickly jotted their names down. When I took my next break I actually pulled out my notecards and actually did the task. The task still got done, but I didn’t have to do it right at that moment. Because we’re working from home, it’s so tempting to get distracted.
- Actually put on real clothes. It helps, I promise.
- Keep your phone in another room so you don’t have it right in your hands or in your view. Without people all around me, there is no one but me monitoring how productive I am.
- Let work be work and home be home. Close your laptop at a normal time and allow yourself to rest and recharge. Sometimes it’s easy to allow yourself to keep working and keep working because it’s all such a slippery slope.
- Muting everyone (that you don’t truly care about)’s Instagram stories.
Things to Watch
I haven’t been watching too many things other than the movie marathon with my roommate, but here are a few I’ve made special time for –
- Love Is Blind (Netflix)
- America’s Next Top Model (Hulu)
- Bon Appetit (YouTube)
Website Recommendations
- Check out The Anna Edit’s Ultimate At-Home Entertainment Pack – she even created her own full trivia game to play with friends!
- Check out a few museums giving virtual tours – Travel & Leisure, Good Housekeeping
- Use up your pantry and try some fun new meals! My roommate and I have been loving making pizzas with all of the random ingredients in our fridge. Broccoli cheddar pizza, anyone?
- Fender has a 3 month free trial for their online learning program called Fender Play– I’ve loved my ukulele class!
- Start a Digital Cookbook with your friends and family! My coworkers have started a cookbook in Google Docs and you’re welcome to join into mine (or of course start your own).
How have you all taken to the work from home life, if that is something you’re able to do? I hope you’re all doing well and are staying healthy and safe.
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