MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Social distancing can be defined as actions taken to slow the spread of a highly contagious disease. While it is important to practice good habits like washing your hands often and maintaining your personal hygiene, it is also recommended to avoid large gatherings and personal interactions in order to combat COVID-19. So how are we supposed to keep ourselves from going stir-crazy while also staying safely away from crowds of people?
Here’s some things you and your family can do to pass the time while practicing good social distancing habits:
1. Reading/studying – Testing for Staff Sergeant soon? Tech? Well, there is no time like the present and putting your head in the books might be just what you need to get your mind off of current events. Right now, the McConnell Base Library is open during their regular operating hours of 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday and are currently offering curbside pickup only. Check out mcconnellafblibrary.com to learn more and see what they’re offering.
2. Hobbies/crafts – Drawing, playing music and DIY projects around the house can not only be fun, but can bring your family together in a meaningful way. Spending time together can be the silver lining that you’re looking for during social distancing. Check online for some craft ideas and an endless amount of projects to keep you occupied.
3. Exercise – Maintaining your personal fitness is one of the core values at the heart of any strong Airman. Home workouts like calisthenics, jumping rope or going for a run could be very productive in times like these. Take the dog for a walk, take the cat for a walk, take the kid for a walk; basically just take a walk, alright?
4. Cooking – Putting together a nice, home-cooked meal could be just what the family ordered. There are endless options online for recipes and ideas for fun things to try in the kitchen and get the kids involved. Try out a new recipe that you’ve had on the backburner or browse online for some creative culinary inspiration.
5. Cleaning – We all know we put this one off. Now that you’re going to be home a little more often, maybe it’s time to get the place in tip-top shape. Get those base boards you’ve been avoiding all winter. Put the family to work too, while you’re at it. You’re in this together!
6. Board Games – Monopoly, Risk or Hungry Hungry Hippos; doesn’t matter as long as everyone is having fun! Maybe skip Twister if anyone has the sniffles.
7. Streaming movies and TV shows – Grab the popcorn and the pillows and stream your favorite show. Streaming services or even good old cable can be your best friend when it comes to a night in with nothing better to do.
8. Virtual museums – You might not be able to go in person, but virtual museums are an educational and fun resource that’s sure to satisfy at least some of your hunger for something to do. Between the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art and the Guggenheim Museum are plenty of opportunities to see and experience the magic that museums have to offer. Google Arts & Cultures also offers plenty of places to explore.
Now that you’ve seen some of the ways to entertain yourself and your family while social distancing, get out there and do it! Or, better yet, stay in and do it!
For more military family resources, go to militaryonesource.mil. For information on what’s going on at McConnell Air Force Base, check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/22ARW.