Benefits of isolation: Eleven unexpected upsides of being stuck at home

There are a lot of unexpected upsides of being stuck at home due to the lockdown laws, such as working out with Olympian Pita Taufatofua.

It’s amazing how isolation has brought the world into our living rooms.

From going on an African safari to stepping behind the scenes at the zoo or having front row tickets to the hottest Broadway show, here are the coolest things you couldn’t do before isolation.

SEE A SHOW, FOR FREE

ISO is the perfect time to catch up on culture.

London’s National Theatre is streaming one play every Thursday on YouTube, while Andrew Lloyd Webber fans can watch one of his musicals every Friday on YouTube Channel “The Shows Must Go On”.

BroadwayHD is also offering a free seven-day trial – enough time to catch shows like Cats, The King And I, or The Sound Of Music.

Looking for things to pass the time? The best shows to watch, the funniest videos, the best hacks and home workouts? Find it all at our Life (goes on) in Lockdown section

You emerging from ISO … Picture: Peter Wallis

EXERCISE WITH AN OLYMPIAN

It’s not every day you are trained by an Olympian.

Tongan taekwondo and cross-country skiing Olympian Pita Taufatofua first came to the world’s attention when he carried Tonga’s flag for the Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony.

He is offering free 10-minute workouts – perfect for indoor exercise – on his Facebook page.

You can also do a handstand challenge with gymnast Simone Biles, or learn the ropes with sprinter James Dasaolu on his socials.

GO ON AN AFRICAN SAFARI

Lions, tigers and buffalo – exploring the African pridelands has never been easier, with livestream safaris a great way to pass the time during ISO.

Ride in the back of an open-air jeep as guides show you the animals just metres away, streamed on Facebook page safariLIVE.

SEE YOUR FAVOURITE BAND PLAY, FOR FREE

Lady Gaga, Andrea Bocelli, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones – more than 14 million viewers from across the world recently tuned in to watch their favourites belt out classics for One World: Together At Home.

The online concert of dreams raised $127.9 million for the coronavirus relief fund, and is one of hundreds of concerts and gigs coming to us digitally, so you’ll never have to miss out on concert tickets again.

Taylor Swift performed for the One World concert.

GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE ZOO

Getting up close and personal with animals without having to brave crowds has been an ISO-benefit, with daily live streams from the country’s zoos and aquariums giving increased access without having to leave home.

From funnel-web milking to feeding sharks or cuddling a koala, the world’s best exhibits are open to the virtual public for free for the first time.

BECOME A MASTER CHEF

It’s not every day you can learn to cook from the culinary greats, but social media accounts have become digital cookbooks as Aussie chefs share their expertise with ISO wannabe cooks, hungry to learn.

Matt Moran, Neil Perry, Darren Robertson and the likes of Italian chef Massimo Bottura are teaching everything from how to make the world’s best pasta, to sourdough crumpets, pork roasts and everything in between.

And Colin Fassnidge has recruited his daughters Maeve and Lily who are showing up their chef dad with their own ISO cooking videos.

Massimo Bottura is teaching fans how to perfect some of his favourite dishes, from a tiramisu to a ragu made from leftovers. Picture: Jason Edwards

VISIT THE MET

Museums around the world like New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is offering virtual tours online.

The Louvre, the Vatican, the British Museums – are among dozens opening their doors to digital fans – no ticket required.

Locally, the Art Gallery of NSW is still showing exhibitions – watch as singer Sarah Belkner performs in their new exhibition Shadow catchers, and join senior curator Isobel Parker Philip for a tour.

VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR

SongDivision has been running free Virtual Happy Hours each week to bring positive energy to people cooped up at home – an hour of connection and musical treats hosted by their world-class musicians and MCs.

Interactive musical experiences are at the heart of SongDivision, which designs all of its services to align with scientifically proven benefits of music.

“It’s a meaningful team-building experience disguised as a virtual rock concert,” CEO Andy Sharpe said.

“For participants it’s fun, collaborative and exciting, while at its core, the session is built upon music’s proven ability to strengthen relationships, stimulate memory, and heighten emotional connection through raised oxytocin levels.”

BAKE SCONES WITH CWA ROYALTY

With the Easter Show cancelled and the Country Women’s Association’s chance to sell 50,000 scones out the COVID-window, you can now learn the art of scone making with 92-year-old CWA member Muriel Halsted.

A $5 donation will buy you a plate of virtual scones, the chance to watch Muriel make her perfect batch, and the foolproof recipe as a PDF.

You’ll need some of those free ISO exercise videos if you keep making these. Picture: Getty

SEND A VIRTUAL HUG

Cancer survivor Josh Bell knew what it’s like to whether a storm long before COVID-19 came along. The Canteen ambassador said now is the time to notice the good in the world and practice gratitude.

“Try not to focus on the doom and gloom – look to the people doing wonderful things for some positivity and inspiration,” he said.

“Send a virtual hug. Everything has gone virtual – school, catch-ups, open homes, meetings – let’s make hugs virtual too.

“Send the emoji to your friends and spread the love – and remind yourself this isn’t forever.

“Though it may feel like it, isolation won’t last until the end of time.”

SAVE MONEY

Social distancing is forced savings. Saturday nights in – without the cost of restaurant dinners, Ubers, bars and babysitters – may leave some COVID cash in your pocket.

Why not take that money you would have spent on social activities – movie tickets, concerts, dinners out – and put it into a savings fund. Your coronavirus fund.

Put it towards your next holiday, invest in a course or donate to charity – you might be pleasantly surprised by the results.