Instagram Fitness Classes, a Delicious Bread Recipe, and a Free Yale Class: Tips & Tricks While Social Isolating

As a company whose goal is to uplift Chicagoans and visitors alike, our team understands the importance of staying informed while keeping spirits up during these unprecedented times. That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips and fun things you can do to maximize your time at home while practicing social isolation. From the Chicago’s First Lady family to yours, we hope that you enjoy this list and that you find some of these things helpful and uplifting!

Staying Informed, Staying Healthy and Giving Back

• DIY Hand Sanitizer: As you’ve probably noticed on a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy, hand sanitizer can be difficult to get your hands on for now! While hand sanitizer is definitely not a replacement for washing your hands, it can be an effective way to stop the spread of germs in a pinch according to the CDC. Luckily, hand sanitizer is very easy to make yourself! All you need is isopropyl alcohol, aloe vera gel and (if you want) a nice smelling essential oil. View the DIY recipe here!

     Photo Credit: @dezzzzzi

• Show the Service Industry Some Love: There are tons of different ways to help your local community during this time, and one of those is to donate to funds set up by your favorite local restaurants and bars to do things like help staff within the service industry who can’t currently work. This comprehensive list of bars, restaurants, retail locations, service providers and more is all about giving back to the community that serves us every day and is a great way to show your appreciation! Even if you can’t make a donation, a share on social media can go a long way to show the local service industry just how much we care.
• Stay Up To Date: At a time like this when information is constantly changing and being updated, following useful channels on Twitter can ensure you are getting the latest information. One we recommend is the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Twitter or Facebook pages; they are constantly updating their information and also do frequent livestreams of Q&As with Dr. Allison Arwady. During these livestreams, Twitter and Facebook users can ask questions in real-time! A bonus fun fact: not only is Dr. Arwady the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, she also leads river cruise tours as a CAC docent on the CAFC River Cruise! 

     Dr. Allison Arwady; Chicago Department of Public Health

• Take a FREE Yale Course: Your mental health and well-being is very important during times of uncertainty, which is why we think it’s so great that Yale University has opened one of its most popular courses for free! The course is called “The Science of Well-Being” and the purpose of the course is to evaluate your happiness and to teach you the best practices in becoming happier. There is no cost to sign up for the course, and is a great and healthy way to spend any extra time you may have. Read about the course here.

Fun Things To Watch

• Who Let the Penguins Out: In case you missed it, Shedd Aquarium has been letting some of their penguins roam their peopleless exhibits and we’ve found watching these videos to be an adorable and uplifting way to pass the time. Check out the videos on Shedd’s Instagram page and prepare to smile!

     Photo Credit: Shedd Aquarium

• Feel Good Classics: With all the extra time inside, what better time than the present to revisit some of your favorite throwback romantic comedies? Our team loves a good rom com and two stand-out favorites are “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “The Break-Up” - in part because they had scenes filmed on our boats (yes - the classic scene with Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney dancing together during an architecture cruise was filmed on Chicago’s First Lady!) Extend your romantic comedy binging with this list of Matthew McConaughey rom com favs  curated and ranked by our Office Manager, Taylor.
• #Exploration: Another thing our team loves to do is explore on Instagram! A local phenomenon, Chicagohenge, happens twice a year and just occurred on March 19th. This is when the sun sets perfectly between downtown skyscrapers during the spring and fall equinoxes, making for some incredible photos. Explore #Chicagohenge on Instagram and you’ll see tons of breathtaking pictures like the one below taken by local favorite, Barry Butler.

     Photo Credit: Barry Butler

Other Ways to Maximize Your Time at Home!

• Challenge Your Mind: Want something that will challenge your mind after you’ve put your body to the test? There are plenty of free online puzzles, word finds, sudokus and more that you can find with a simple search! To start, try a fun crossword puzzle that our Office Manager, Taylor, created.

• Time to Get Cookin: Our Chicago’s First Lady team loves to cook (and eat) - so much so that our office staff actually has monthly cooking challenges! Our HR Manager, Sherell, tested this deliciously simple bread recipe that she promises is as reliable as it is tasty. Our Beverage Director, Kaitlin, shared a delicious and sweet recipe for homemade donut holes AND a refreshing cold brew cocktail to accompany them. We highly recommend trying both of these recipes!
• Let’s Get Physical: Along with loving food, our team also enjoys exercising and exploring new ways to get fit. One way that several team members are keeping fit from home is by “taking” classes via Instagram live. Some favorites include yoga with Sarah Cunningham (who is one of our yoga cruise instructors) or various classes from cardio kickboxing to salsa lessons to an “ab lab” with Healthy Hood Chicago. Regardless of the outlet you choose to use, getting some exercise in is a great way to spend time and increase your endorphins all while practicing social distancing!

     Photo Credit: @sarahcwellness

No matter which of these activities you try at home, we hope that everyone is staying safe, healthy and positive as we navigate this temporary reality together. We can’t wait to be back on the water doing what we love, but until then we encourage everyone to be smart, follow guidelines and stay safe!