Lifestyle

Our ultimate guide to hunkering down

We compiled lists, resources, and tips to help you keep your social distance (and your sanity) during this trying time.

An empty view in Dorchester on March 22, 2020, amid the coronavirus outbreak. Across the globe an estimated 900 million people are confined to their homes, according to an AFP tally. Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images

By Boston.com Staff

March 22, 2020

Look for the ⚡to find out what’s new this week.

What’s open:

⚡A full list of businesses that are allowed to stay open
⚡The latest on grocery stores and food availability
• Boston restaurants now offering takeout and delivery
⚡And yes, packies are essential businesses

Things to do:

• 7 board games you can play online with friends
• Crossword puzzles, Sudokus, quizzes, and brain teasers
• 5 party games to play online with friends
• 22 of Hasbro’s best-selling board games, ranked
⚡BosTen is our weekly guide to 10 things to do inside this weekend
• Take a virtual tour of Mass. museums and cultural institutions
⚡Help someone out if you’re able.

What to watch:

⚡Everything coming to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime in April
⚡2020 movies available for streaming early
• 7 Love Letters-approved movies to watch
• 10 TV shows to stream while you’re staying inside
• Watch all of the 2020 Best Picture Oscar nominees
• A few new TV shows to watch with your kids

What to read and listen to:

• 20 books recommended by local experts
• The Boston Public Library has virtual library cards
• A list of virtual concerts and livestreams
• The Boston.com ‘we’ll get through this together’ playlist
⚡What we’re reading, listening to, and more

North Station in the middle of the day on March 12, 2020.

What to eat and drink:

• How to buy groceries online
• Best takeout options for practicing social distancing
⚡You can still enjoy some of the top breweries
• 4 tips that will immediately up your cocktail game
• Trillium will deliver beer to your doorstep

For your health and well-being:

⚡How to safely do your laundry at the laundromat
• 6 tips for couples
⚡What to know about emergency child care centers, and who’s eligible
• 10 local fitness studios offering virtual classes
• Don’t have internet at home? Don’t worry.
• Happy hour, date night, and other FaceTime ways to stay close with friends
• 8 free ways to video chat with loved ones

• How to reduce stress and anxiety

Empty spaces in the usually packed central parking garage at Logan International Airport on Friday, March, 20, 2020.

For your family, kids, and pets:

• How to keep your children calm amid all of this upheaval
• Where to find educational websites for children
⚡Local schools now have YouTube channels
• 4 tips for teaching kids at home
• How to keep your pet happy and healthy

Use your spare time to:

• Trace your family’s ancestry
• Break your absolute worst habit
• Get serious about protecting your information online
• Go forest bathing
⚡Read up on what you shouldn’t flush
• Declutter your home and spring clean like a pro

We’re in this, too. We’ll keep publishing new tips and suggestions, so check back for updates. Have an idea? Let us know in the comments below or e-mail us at [email protected].