11 more things to do at home while social distancing

With the country adapting to a new socially-distanced way of life, establishing and maintaining a healthy routine has never been so important. As well as minding our physical and mental health, it's imperative that we fit some fun into our schedules, especially over the bank holiday weekend!

With this in mind, we have pulled together some of the most positive, creative, helpful, interesting and entertaining activities to keep you going.

1. #ShineYourLight
You can take part in RTÉ's #ShineYourLight campaign by using your house lights, Christmas lights, candles or torches in order to shine a light that can be seen from your home at 9pm on Saturday, April 11th. Share your photos and videos on social media with the hashtags #ShineYourLight #LonraighdoSholas.

Light is a source of warmth, hope and vision. 💡
In a time of darkness it can be hard to see.

This Saturday at 9pm, #ShineYourLight safely wherever you are and show that light can reach us all. pic.twitter.com/T194yIpdZY
— RTÉ (@rte) April 8, 2020

2. Take up boxing
Founded by Dublin twins Sean and Paddy Headon, Headon Boxing Academy found a way to help people beat the social distancing blues. Following the closure of their gyms, the brothers moved their fitness classes online, launching 40 classes per week that burn up to 500 calories from your home.

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3. Dance it out
Each week, choreographer Ryan Heffington hosts a dance party to get the world moving. Tonight's 'sweat-fest' will take on his Instagram at 10am PST (5pm Irish time) and the theme is #grabaprop. While you warm-up for tonight's performance, check our Ryan's Spotify playlist here.

4. Go to a(nother) comedy gig
Comedians across the world have been entertaining fans with live shows, sketches, Tik Tok videos and podcasts over the last few weeks - and they show no sign of slowing down.

On Friday night, Dublin's Laughter Lounge will be hosting an online gig of homegrown talent (from the comfort of their couches). Comedians taking part include Eric Lalor, Fred Cooke, Danny O'Brien, Julie Jay, Steve Bennett, Patser Murray, Jim Elliott, Joe Rooney, and more.

6. Get a birthday shoutout
Is your best friend's birthday coming up? No clue what to get them with the constrictions in place? Well, why not order a very special birthday shout out of performance from their favourite celeb on Cameo?

Now, before you get too excited, Hollywood's A-listers will not be available for your sister's 21st or your parent's wedding anniversary but your favourite drag queen, comedian, Tik Toker, athlete or TV star might well be.

For a fee, you can get a unique and personalised message from Todrick Hall, NSYNC's Lance Bass, Inbetweeners actor James Buckley, Cheer's Gabi Butler, or Rachelle Lefevre of Twilight fame.

7. Set up a standing coffee date
If you used to meet your friend for a cup of tea and a stroll every Sunday morning or if you and the girls in the office got a coffee every day after the 10am meeting, why not continue the tradition over Zoom? Keep it short and sweet, as you would have under normal circumstances, and enjoy a bit of structure in your day.

8. Go to Disneyland
Following the closure of Disneyland parks, the company has brought some of its magic online so that kids (and grown-ups) can enjoy features from their parks from the comfort of their homes. Recently, as part of their #DisneyMagicMoments campaign, they created a special virtual viewing of the all-new Magic Happens parade which you can watch below.

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9. Go shopping
Sustainable Fashion Dublin are hosting virtual flea markets on their Instagram stories every Saturday. Make yourself a cuppa and peruse around some gorgeous independent, artisan producers and small local businesses from the comfort of your own home.

To apply to a virtual stall, send a link to your site/ Depop, three photos of sample items and a one-sentence explanation of what you're about to sfdmarkets@gmail.com.

10. Watch a live improv show
Australian comedians Steen Raskopoulos and Carlo Ritchie, better known as The Bear Pack, are one of the most energetic acts going. Taking suggestions from the audience, and thinking on their feet, the comedy duo create weird and wonderful scenarios on the spot. Check out their next gig tomorrow at 11:30am on Instagram live.

11. Give blood
As a frontline service, it is vital that the Irish Blood Transfusion Service continues to collect enough blood and platelets to maintain the supplies to our hospitals during the Covid-19 situation.

If you are healthy and it is appropriate for you to donate, make an appointment at your local clinic. Check out the IBTS website for more details.

11 more things to do at home while social distancing

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