Keeping the Winter Blues at Bay — Let’s Have Fun!
Though the weather is starting to warm up and vaccines are rolling out, there is still the need to keep our distance and keep our circles small. COVID-19 has lead to a huge increase in isolation and boredom, we would like to help!
To help combat this, we have curated a list of activities, events, and opportunities to learn.
We will continue to update our list with fresh ideas!
Let us know what you have been enjoying or what you would like to see added in the comments at the bottom of this page.
Click Here to see the comments!
Entertainment
CV Tree of the Year (Cost – Free)
Every year the Comox Valley Nature declares the “Tree of the Year” based on public nominations and voting.
To see a photo and read information about each tree click here: https://comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/nominees-for-tree-of-the-year-2021/
Voting is now closed, but why not take a tour around town to view all of the nominees in person.
26/27 nominated trees are located on public land and can be visited by food or bike.
For a map of the trees locations (complete with instructions to locate the trees) is available at the following link so that you can plan your walking/cycling route: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1avl3Cu6ee-6bXM2dNo_fR29MdEwdG0Dc&ll=49.67547911367139%2C-124.95111489999998&z=10
Bingo Online with the Cumberland Community Schools Society (Cost $10 + access to a printer)
The Cumberland Community Schools Society has hosted in person bingo nights for 6 years, and now their moving online.
The event will be held live on their Facebook page Wednesday nights at 6:30pm
The stream can be accessed starting at 6pm with games starting at 6:30.
The cost of $10 per Bingo sheet will go to supporting the Cumberland Community Schools Societies programs.
There will be 5 games a night and you can use the same sheet for all games, you will just need to print out 5 copies, or print 1 copy and use a non-permanent marker (i.e. a button or coin) to play.
Find more information on upcoming events on their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ccssonlinebingonight
You can also contact them directly by email at: ccss.youthcoordinator@gmail.com or by phone at: (250) 650 8305
To register to participate and purchase you Bingo sheets for the next event go to: https://www.ccss.bingobetter.com/welcome
Virtual CRAFTernoons (Cost – Free)
The Vancouver Island Regional Library is starting a virtual crafting club.
Anyone who loves to craft, is working on new projects, or is looking for project inspiration is welcome to join the virtual events.
Bring your current projects with you and get in touch with others who also enjoy crafting for a fun CRAFTernoon.
The event will be held monthly on the first Saturday of every month from 2:30pm – 3:30pm.
For more information and to register for the Zoom invitation email: cc@virl.bc.ca
You can also call to learn more at 1-877-415- 8475
Public Art Boxes ( Cost – Free)
On a sunny day have a look at the Royston Seaside Trail and at Kye Bay for the new Art Boxes.
Every Saturday new art is installed and displayed for every one to see while they get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery.
Hopefully many other neighbourhoods will join in on the public instillations.
The project was started by Artsphere Comox Valley.
Take part in just viewing the art, or even consider installing your own public art box and help grow the project.
If you are interested in getting your own box, contact: katebrown5@gmail.com
Comox Valley Art Gallery Outdoor Exhibit (Cost – Free)
The Comox Valley Art Gallery wants everyone to be able to enjoy art safely. They have set up their newest exhibit to be viewed from the side walk.
You can see the exhibit through their windows on Duncan Ave and 6th Street.
The OFFSITE_ONSITE exhibit will be ongoing, visible from outside, until September 2021.
Outdoor Music at the Comox Marina (Cost – Free)
The weather is getting nicer so why not take advantage of the sunshine and fresh air down by the Comox Marina.
Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1pm there is live music to enjoy and dance along to.
It’s a good way to get out and still stay safe!
Around the World in a Dugout Canoe – Watch online (Cost – Free)
The Museum of Campbell River is showing a discussion with author John MacFarlane and the museums Ken Blackburn about his new book Around the World in a Dugout Canoe: The Untold Story of Captain John Voss and the Tilikum.
It is a 4o minute film that tells the story of these 2 adventurers who set out from Victoria in 1901 with the intention of setting the world record for the smallest vessel to ever circumnavigate the globe.
Watch the film here: https://crmuseum.ca/2020/11/19/around-the-world-in-a-dugout-canoe/
Heron Cam at Stanley Park (Cost – Free)
The Pacific Great Blue Herons are nesting in Stanley Park.
The Vancouver Park Board has set up cameras so that you can watch all of the action right from your home.
You can see right in to the nests themselves and even control the cameras to zoom in on any specific nest.
Watch all of the action with the following link: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/heron-cam.aspx#watch
Domestika (Cost – starting at 14.90/class)
Domestika is a platform for creative people to learn and practice a variety of creative skills.
Classes are taught by expert professionals and are available for a wide variety of topics.
From learning watercolour techniques, to character illustration and 3D animation, to how to open an e-commerce website to sell your creations, there is sure to be something that everyone finds interesting.
Maybe try one of these classes (just search the title on their website):
Creating Garments Using Crochet
Modern Watercolour Techniques
Professional Woodworking for Beginners
Introduction to Interior Design
There are 600 course appealing to a wide variety of creative interests.
Most courses are made up of multiple classes and provide additional written materials you can download.
Many courses do require access to materials to follow along with the classes and learn the techniques that they are teaching you.
Check out all of the classes on their website:
Vancouver Poem Hotline (Cost – Free)
The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association has launched a poem hotline you can call into and hear the works of 9 local poets.
Curated by Vancouver writer Renee Sarojini Saklikar, the hotline is aimed to be accessible, entertaining, and up lifting.
To hear any or all of the poems, dial 1 (833) POEMS 4 U (1(833) 763 6748)
Banff Mountain Film Festival (Cost – $19.25-$35.90)
The Banff Mountain Film festival has gone virtual to bring adventures and stories to a couch near you!
The Virtual World Tour consists of different bundles of films that you can rent for 3-14 days at a time.
Watch the films on demand during your rental period and check back for new uploads through out the year.
For information of the festival and the different programs follow this link:
https://filmfest.banffcentre.ca/products
To purchase tickets to a program through the Sid Williams Theatre click here:
*Note: Prices on the website are in USD
Purchasing through the Sid Williams Theatre website does not increase the price at all, but does help support our local theatre programs!
Andrew Luck’s Book Club (Cost- Free + cost of book)
NFL Quarterback Andrew Luck loves reading so much he made his own online book club!
Each month he chooses a book for “Rookies” i.e. children and a book for “Veterans” i.e. adults.
Read the book, share you thoughts on twitter using @ALBookClub, and listen to Andrew’s podcast where he and a special guest share their thoughts on that months reads.
Join on your own or with friends so you can have even more discussion.
You could even read along and have discussions with the “Rookie” readers in your life.
Visit https://andrewluckbookclub.com/ to see the books of the month and find the monthly podcast episodes.
The Quarantine Book Club (Cost – $5)
The Quarantine Book Club hosts online events with authors to discuss their new works, books they love, and more!
Check their website for upcoming events: https://www.quarantinebookclub.com/
Poet in Your Pocket Contest (Cost – Free)
The Vancouver Island Regional Library is hosting the Poet in Your Pocket Contest.
April is National Poetry Month!
Submit your poetry for a chance to be included in the Poet in Your Pocket Booklet.
The contest is open to all levels and and submissions must be in my March 5th.
For entry details and more information visit: https://virl.bc.ca/event/poem-in-your-pocket-contest/2021-01-29/
CBC Gem (Cost – Free or $4.99/month)
Stream live events, watch tv series and documentaries on the CBC Gem online streaming service.
Watch for free with ads or pay $4.99/month to watch without interruptions. (*currently offering 30 day free trial).
Go to https://gem.cbc.ca/ to set up you free account and start watching.
Looking for a documentary? Try:
One Million Trees – follows the journey that thousands of Canadians take part in, planting trees in remote areas in Northern BC and Vancouver Island.
Brothers Island – a short 14 minute story about the Wolastoqiyik and the mystery of Brothers Island
Life of a Dog – a 30 minutes film that follows a mother, daughter, and their 2 dogs during lockdown.
You Are What You Act – Will smiling make you happier? The science behind embodied cognition.
Looking for some live TV? Try:
The Olympics – watch various sports and competitions from previous summer and winter games.
Want a new show to watch? Try:
Travel Man: 48 Hours In… – Richard Ayoade goes on 48 hours holidays around the world
The Great British Baking Show – Watch competitors take on various baking challenges in hopes of winning the Great British Bake Off
Kim’s Convenience – a funny, heartwarming story of a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store in Toronto
Good People with Mark Sakamoto – this show takes a look at some of Canada’s biggest problems and tries to find solutions that offer hope
Stargazing (Cost – Free)
We are fortunate to live in an area where our night skies are not too obstructed with high rise apartments and city lights.
Next time it’s dark out and your not sure what to do, why not take a look at the night sky and see what constellations you can find.
You can use an app like SkyView Lite to help you identify constellations and give you information about upcoming astrological events.
Download SkyView Lite for free in the Apple App Store or on Android Google Play.
Apple store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/skyview-lite/id413936865
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t11.skyviewfree&hl=en_CA&gl=US
Note: there is also a paid version of SkyView with additional capabilities that costs $2.79
Or
Follow the Skywatch Weekly from the Adler Planetarium on Youtube for weekly stargazing challenges and information about current astrological events.
Find Skywatch Weekly on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0hNDLKmZkf3EAKPq9RnasPO7SF35s1WE
Just in Time Choirs (Cost – Varied, details below)
Current music enrichment online modules begin February 17th, 2021.
Just in Time Choirs is offering 4 different online learning modules.
Each module is $40-50 and consists of 4-5 online sessions.
Check out the details for each module here: https://justintimechoirs.ca/?page_id=2483
Just in Time Choirs is also continuing with their regular choir term online through Zoom.
The Unplugged Choir practices Wednesday’s from 7:30-9:00pm – there is no audition required to join.
Fees are $125 per term.
For more information visit: https://justintimechoirs.ca/?page_id=84
The Sofa Singers (Cost – Free or £10/$17.41 per month)
Add some singing in to your day with the Sofa Singers.
James Sills hosts a virtual 45 minute live singalong on Zoom twice a week to bring joy and music to anyone who wants to join in.
Sign up for limited spots for free
or
Become a member for $17.41 per month which ensures you have a spot, gives you access to the community Facebook page and exclusive content, and allows you to re-watch recorded sessions.
Take part on Tuesday’s at 11:30am PST
or
If you happen to be awake 3:00am PST on Friday’s
Make sure you register in advance to receive the lyric sheets and the Zoom link!
https://www.thesofasingers.com/how-to-join-1
Letz Sing Choir (Cost – $10/week, if possible)
Letz Sing is a local choir directed by Tina.
Singing is better than not singing, so with COVID-19 restriction they moved online to Zoom.
They are committed to making their Choir accessible to everyone!
Contact Tina at: https://www.letzsing.com/sign-up to sign up!
Check out the website at http://letzsing.com
Cirque du Soleil (Cost – Free)
Cirque du Soleil has put videos of behind the scenes training, spot lights on fan favourites acts, and even 60 minute specials of some of their shows on YouTube
Check out the magical world of Cirque du Soleil for free right from you home at: https://www.youtube.com/c/CirqueduSoleil/featured
Ted Talks (Cost – Free)
A huge archive of videos and talks on any topic you can imagine.
Get inspired, learn something new, or just see what someone has to say about a topic you find interesting.
Go to https://www.ted.com/ , select topics and video length to see suggest talks, or browse through their archives yourself.
Or, why not try one of their 25 most popular talks of all time from this playlist:
https://www.ted.com/playlists/171/the_most_popular_talks_of_all
Art and Creativity for Healing (Cost – $39USD/class + supplies)
Art 4 Healing offers online live art classes through Zoom.
Classes are easy to access and lots of support and guidance is provided.
Sign up for a class with friends or family members, or join alone and meet some other art enthusiasts.
Click here to sign up through their website:
https://www.art4healing.org/live/
Recipe Share on Facebook (Cost – Free)
Stuck in a recipe rut? Check out the “Awesome Recipe Share Group” on Facebook for some new inspiration.
This page is full of dishes of all kinds with links to the recipes so you can recreate the dishes yourself.
Submit recipes you love so others can try them out, or just scroll through to find something new you want to try.
To find the page just search “Awesome Recipe Share Group” on Facebook, or follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/234936450332030/photos/
Quarantine Art Club (Cost – Free)
Get monthly inspiration the first Tuesday of each month from @carsonellis on Instagram.
Monthly themes are posted to inspire followers in their art making.
Use the inspiration to guide your own creativity, and if you want… share your creations with others on Instagram using #transmundanetuesday
This account is also working on putting together online art workshops for all ages and abilities, follow the account to see when these might be starting in the future.
International Puzzle Swap (Cost – $51USD/year + shipping costs)
The International Puzzle Swap links it’s members with each other to share those puzzles that have been sitting in their closet since it was completed the first time.
Members pay $51 USD/year (or $61USD for 2 years) to become a part of the group
You can choose the specific puzzle you would like to receive from the puzzle library or just provide your specifications (number or pieces, if you are ok with a couple missing pieces, if you have any mobility needs) and you will be sent a puzzle that matches your preferences.
Members are also expected to send puzzles of their own and participate in the swapping.
Poppy Love’s Book Club (Cost – Free + a monthly book)
Poppy Love is a British blogger who hosts a worldwide monthly book club for women.
Each month members read the chosen book, then log in to Facebook on the last Wednesday of each month from 11:30am – 1:00pm PST to discuss the book over live stream.
Check out their website or Facebook page for the most recent information:
http://www.poppylovesbookclub.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1416245088604330/
Podcasts (Cost – Free-$9.99/month)
Listen on a walk or at home. There are podcasts out there on any topic you could imagine.
Listen on CBC Listen, Spotify or Apple Music (listen for free with ads or sign up for the premium versions for $9.99/month)
Here are some podcasts to try out:
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History – hosted by journalist and broadcaster Dan Carlin. He brings a new energy to historical events!
On Being with Krista Tippet – Krista Tippet tackles life’s big questions. She discusses spiritual inquiry, science, social hearing, and the arts
Conspiracy Theories by The Parcast Network – This podcasts gives you all the details about different events and tackles if the truth really is the best story
10% Happier with Dan Harris – Dan Harris talks with experts about the secret to living life 10% happier than you are today
30 for 30 Podcasts – from the original 30 for 30 documentary series on ESPN, this podcast features stories from the world of sports and beyond
Seat at the Table with Martine St-Victor and Isabelle Racicot: 2 friends and guests talking about the Black Lives Matter Movement, why it is important, and what the next steps are
Find these podcasts and more through the Spotify app (in the apple store or google play), on the CBC website under podcasts, on Apple Music, or follow these links to get started:
CBC Podcasts: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcasts
Spotify (free) sign up: https://www.spotify.com/ca-en/free/
Spotify Premium sign up: https://www.spotify.com/ca-en/premium/
Apple Music (free for 3months then $9.99/month) sign up: https://music.apple.com/us/listen-now?at=1000l4QJ&ct=402&itscg=10000&itsct=402x
Online Puzzles (Cost – Free)
Go to http://puzzlegarage.com, pick a puzzle, pick how many pieces you would like, and enjoy!
So many options, there should be something for everyone!
Plus, it’s all contained to your screen so you can keep your kitchen table free for dinner!
Virtual Baking Club with the Vancouver Island Regional Library (Cost – Free + the cost of ingredients and equipment)
Registration is required
Each month club members are given a theme. Each member is to create or discover a recipe that meets the theme and bring their recipe and baked goods to the virtual zoom meeting each month.
All ages welcome, contact kparker@virl.bc.ca to register.
Learning
Virtual Gardening Series with the VI Regional Library (Cost – Free)
The next Virtual Gardening seminar will be held on August 14th from 1:00pm-2:30pm
This seminar focuses on native plants in an urban landscape.
To learn about gardening from an expert, follow this link to register: https://virl.bc.ca/event/virtual-gardening-series-winter-vegetables/
The event will be held over Zoom. You can register at the link above or contact NanaimoHarbourfront@virl.bc.ca
The Good News Network (Cost – Free)
Especially recently the news seems to be nothing but negative.
Many of us it is part of out daily routine to check what is going on in the world and we feel a need to be up to date with current events.
Sometimes though, the constant negative news is too much.
Check out the Good News Network! Here there is nothing but good news aimed to brighten your day.
From stories about scientific breakthroughs, to good deeds done by citizens, to personal stories about people who have achieved great things.
Why not add some good news to your daily intake of information!
Browse their articles here: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/category/news/
The Museum of Campbell River online (Cost – Free)
The Museum of Campbell River has several online events active on their website.
Learn about the history of logging in Campbell river, about commercial fishing in Norther Vancouver Island, or about the Baldwin’s who were photographers in the Campbell River area.
Explore their website for current and new things to learn:
https://crmuseum.ca/programs/online-programs/
Comox Valley Horticultural Society Digital Events (Cost – $0-$30)
The Comox Valley Horticultural Society is hosting a series of events throughout the year on different topics related to gardening and plants.
The talks will be held over Zoom, advanced registration is required.
The up coming talk will be held on August 16th and will focus on how to successfully grow bulbs.
The cost’s are generally as follows:
For members of the Horticultural Society – Free
Guests (non members) – $5.50
If you would like to purchase a membership to gain free access to all of the events and meetings held by the Horticultural Society, it costs $20 for individuals or $30 for a family.
For more information about the Comox Valley Horticultural Society and their upcoming events check out their website: https://comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/
For info on each upcoming live event, look here: https://comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/speakers/
Learn American Sign Language (Cost – Varied, see below)
American Sign Language (ASL) is a huge part of the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Learn to speak the language with the 3 level learning program from StartASL.
The program uses videos and online learning materials to help you learn the basics of ASL
Follow this link to start learning: https://www.startasl.com/learn-sign-language-asl/
Or
Use the Stack Social ASL courses.
Currently on sale for $19.99 USD, you get life time access to 53 lectures about ASL vocabulary, deaf culture, and more.
This course will take you all the way from beginner to advanced.
Try out this course here: https://stacksocial.com/sales/the-complete-american-sign-language-master-class-bundle
Museum of Anthropology at UBC Online – (Cost- Free)
Explore that Great Hall at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology and learn about the carvings on display from various First Nations communities. Follow this link to start exploring: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=h6dGbTSJ9mP
Visit the collections online here: http://collection-online.moa.ubc.ca/
Or follow this link to look at the stories posted detailing specific artists, discussing interesting topics, and even some behind the scenes looks at how archiving and curating works at MOA. https://moa.ubc.ca/stories/
Duolingo (Cost – Free)
Now seems like as good a time as any to learn a new language!
Duolingo is a free program that will help you learn how to speak a new language.
They offer 36 different language courses with easy to follow, simple lessons to get you started from an level.
Follow this link to get started: https://www.duolingo.com/
Ukulele and Guitar Lessons (Cost – Free + an instrument)
Andy will teach you how to play the guitar or ukulele through his online YouTube videos.
His videos are aimed for beginners and give easy instructions to teach you the basics.
Try his 10 day Ukulele Starter Course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bTE5fbxDsc&list=PL-RYb_OMw7Ge2KE0P_RP83vZyWxoC4OiO
or
The Beginner Course for guitar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EVT2VNMcpA&list=PL-RYb_OMw7GfG6MS0WBO1v2qvtomUkZci
or
Browse his page for other tutorials and videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9cvVvlvr-qBssphm1EdYGQ
Master Class (Cost – $20/month)
Access a huge variety on classes on lots of different topics taught by celebrities and experts in the field.
Classes are guided with videos and include workbooks to help you learn about something new.
Pay $20/month and have access to as many classes as you want!
Maybe try out these:
Jimmy Chin teaches adventure photography – https://www.masterclass.com/classes/jimmy-chin-teaches-adventure-photography
Steve Martin teaches comedy – https://www.masterclass.com/classes/steve-martin-teaches-comedy
Dr. Jane Goodall teaches conservation – https://www.masterclass.com/classes/jane-goodall-teaches-conservation
Ron Finley teaches gardening – https://www.masterclass.com/classes/ron-finley-teaches-gardening
Khan Academy (Cost – Free)
Khan Academy offers a variety of online educational classes for free.
Most courses are aimed at school ages, but they have a section of classes that may interest all ages!
Sign up for a free account to access any classes from their library.
Maybe try out these:
Art History, Start from the basics – https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-history
World History – https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history
How Computers Work – https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/code-org/computers-and-the-internet
Skill Share (Cost – $20/month or $141/year)
SkillShare creates online classes on many different topics.
Browse through their huge variety of classes or try these ones:
Meditation 101 – https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Meditation-101-Spark-Joy-Peace-and-Creativity-in-Your-Daily-Life/1386894652?via=browse-popular-lifestyle
Watercolour Holiday Cards – https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Watercolor-Holiday-Cards-Create-Joyful-Mail-Art/1362627214?via=browse-featured
Woodworking Techniques for Beginners – https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Woodworking-Techniques-for-Beginners-Part-A/1772442063?via=search-layout-grid
Truth and Reconciliation Archives (Cost – Free)
Read, watch, and learn about the history and effects of the Residential School system in Canada.
Watch mini documentaries and read the archived stories from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission online at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Museum of Vancouver – Virtual tour (Cost – Free)
Check out the Museum of Vancouver’s History gallery right from your own home.
Just follow the link and walk through their online gallery:
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=GXX9aHGdDke
Google Arts and Culture – Virtual Tours (Cost – Free)
Google has put together virtual tours of some of the worlds most famous museums as well as tours through the works of different artists and art styles .
Why not start by checking out these:
The Forbidden City: https://artsandculture.google.com/project/treasures-of-the-palace-museum
Sophie Taeuber-Arp at MoMA: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/moma-the-museum-of-modern-art
World War II – The Flying Frontier: https://artsandculture.google.com/project/smithsonian-world-war-ii
Explore more at: https://artsandculture.google.com/
Health and Fitness
Begin Your Tai Chi Journey: An Intro to Essential Tai Chi Skills (Cost – Free)
Tai Chi uses posting, walking, breathing, and hand movements to promote organ health, lower body strength, and mental focus.
Every Sunday at 10am EST/7am PST join the beginners class to learn the basics of Tai Chi practice.
Follow the link to register for the event: http://tinyurl.com/1585ov80
1-877-2BE-CALM Project (Cost – Free)
The Victoria Artist in Residence Kathryn Calder has worked to create a soundboard of calming, joyful auditory experiences.
It includes 9 calming tracks of nature noises, children laughing, poetry, stories, and meditation.
Simply dial 1-877-2BE-CALM (1-877-223-2256) and follow the prompts to select which track you would like to listen to.
For more information and to hear the tracks online visit:
This project with be available until July 2021 and they will be changing the tracks periodically, so call back to hear something new.
365 Gratitude Journal (Cost – $34.99/year, offers 7 day free trial)
Use this journaling app to help calm your mind and set good intentions.
Your mental health is just as important (if not more important) than your physical health.
365 Gratitude Journal provides daily guided journaling that can take as little as 5 minutes a day.
It’s not just a journal though. It allows you to reflect with others, learn to manage your stress with self-compassion, and offers guided meditation to lower anxiety and improve your sleep.
Try it out on you phone of tablet by downloading the app:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/365-gratitude-journal/id1072397377
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gratitude.challenge
Or use it on your computer at: https://365gratitudejournal.com/web/#/welcome
MindShift CBT – Anxiety Relief (Cost – Free)
Feeling anxious, need some help to relax your mind, or just looking for some guided mindfulness/meditation?
Anxiety Relief Canada’s MindShift app uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help manage anxiety, worry, and stress.
The app is free in the Apple App Store of Android Google Play.
It provides a variety of evidence-based activities and practices that are aimed to help you relax and manage your anxiety.
The app includes relaxing guided meditation tracks, journaling prompts, challenges to help face your fears, simple daily check ins, and more. There is something suited for everyone!
Download the app here:
For Apple users: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/mindshift/id634684825
For Android users: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bstro.MindShift&hl=en
Silver Sneakers (Cost – Free)
Silver Sneakers posts workout videos on YouTube designed for seniors.
Browse through their videos and add some movement to your day
https://www.youtube.com/c/silversneakers/featured
ElderGym Academy (Cost – Free to $20/month)
ElderGym also posts workout videos you can do from you home that are targeted towards seniors.
Watch their videos for free at: https://www.youtube.com/c/Eldergym/featured
or
If you prefer scheduled classes to help keep you on track you can join their online membership system.
This gives you access to live stream classes, personal support from coaches, and increased library of videos, and more.
This membership costs $20USD monthly, but they are currently offering a 1 week free trial
Access the membership program at: https://eldergymacademy.com/
Heart and Soul Fitness (Cost – Free)
Heart and Soul Fitness has online workout videos for all abilities and all levels.
They have a section specifically designed for seniors, as well as a wide variety of other videos if you are looking to branch out.
Find the seniors curated archives here: https://hasfit.com/workouts/home/senior/
or
Explore all of their videos here: https://hasfit.com/
Virtual Recreation with the City of Courtenay (Cost – Free)
Click the link to find a variety of fitness classes you can watch any time!
https://www.courtenay.ca/EN/main/community/recreation/virtual-recreation.html
Do Yoga With Me (Cost – Free or pay $10US/month for extended access)
No sign up required!
Watch classes from a huge library of free classes or pay $10US/month to unlock the premium classes as well.
Filter classes by length, style, teacher, focus or difficulty
Note: classes with the “+” icon require membership.
https://www.doyogawithme.com/yoga-classes
Senior Fitness with Meredith (Cost – Free)
Watch classes on Youtube designed specifically for seniors.
Browse the channel’s library of classes here:
https://www.youtube.com/c/SeniorFitnessWithMeredith/videos
Games
Washington Post Crossword Puzzles (Cost- Free)
Test your knowledge and pass some time with the Washington Posts daily crossword.
Do todays puzzle, as well as those from the previous 6 days online at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/crossword-puzzles/daily/
You don’t have to do it alone! Send friends or family members the link to your game so you can work together. Just click the icon above the puzzle showing a green and red figure to invite them to play.
They even have optional hints you can use if you get stuck.
ScrabbleGo (Cost – Free with optional in app purchases)
Get ScrabbleGo in the Apple app store or Google Play
Download and play with your friends or let the app match you with others online looking for a partner.
Easy to use and follows the rules of the classic Scrabble board game
Draw Something (Cost – Free with optional in app purchases)
Get Draw Something in the Apple app store or Google Play
Choose a word and draw a picture to make the other player guess what your word is.
Play with friends or family who also have the app, or let the app match you with others looking for a partner
Board Game Arena (Cost – Free)
Sign up for free and choose from a large variety of online board games to play.
A lot of these games are less well known, but the website will walk you through how to play any game you choose! Maybe you’ll stubble across a new favourite.
Invite people you know to play a game with you or play against someone who is also looking for a partner.
Choose whether you want to play a full game now, or take it turn by turn when you have the time.
Browse games based on difficulty or number of players.
Maybe start by trying out (just search for them under “find a game”):
Yahtzee, Battleships, or Can’t Stop
Catan (Cost – Free)
Play this classic multiplayer adventure game with your friends and family or just by yourself
Play on a tablet, smartphone, or computer. Just register for free and get started
Note: on a computer make sure to make to game screen full screen by clicking on the symbol with the 2 diagonal arrows (this will make the graphics much easier to read!)
Click the following link to start playing Catan!
https://catanuniverse.com/en/game/
MSN Games (Cost – Free)
MSN Zone has a large archive of online games that are free to play.
They have games to play on your own as well as a multiplayer section where you are randomly matched with others looking for an opponent.
Why not try: Mahjong, Jewel, or Bubble Shooter
https://zone.msn.com/en-us/home
For Grandparents
Caribu (Cost – Free to $9.99USD($12.62CAD)/month)
Caribu is a digital program for grandparents and grandchildren to connect virtually on your computer or on a mobile device.
With the free version you can read books, play games and video chat.
If you choose to purchase a membership for $12.62CAD a month you gain access to even more activities and books, as well as virtual art pages.
The great thing is you only need one membership for your whole family.
Find out more about the different plans here: https://caribu.com/plans/
Get started with Caribu on your computer here: https://app.caribu.com/
To download the app on a phone or tablet, follow these links:
For Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/caribu-video-calls-kids-love/id763451959
For Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.caribu.Caribu
Readeo (Cost – $9.99/month or $99.99/year) **currently offering free month trial
Readeo is an online way to have story time with your grandchildren.
You and your grandchild can read along and turn the pages to any of the 200+ books in the Readeo virtual library.
Books are aimed for kids 0 – 8 years.
Follow the link to learn more about Readeo and start your free month trial:
Marco Polo App (Cost – Free)
Marco Polo is an app available through the Apple app store of Google Play
It allows you to send video messages back and forth with loved so you can stay in touch without having to coordinate schedules.
The program has great features in it’s free version, and also provides the option to upgrade to Marco Polo Plus for $60/year
The paid version removes ads and allows you to save the videos you send and receive as well as add fun filters and effects to your messages.
Check it out here: https://www.marcopolo.me/
Pen Pals (Cost – $1.07 for an individual stamp)
Emails and phone calls are great to keep in touch more immediately, but there is still something exciting about sending and receiving letters!
Why not start sending letters back an forth with the people you care about?