As health experts recommended people observe necessary social distancing protocols to keep communities safe from the novel coronavirus, they probably didn’t realize the impact such measures would have on mental health.

Feeling isolated and alone, many people are more stressed and anxious. Until things return to normal, the only solution is to find ways to stimulate ourselves. Of course, the best way to maintain relationships with family and friends is to communicate safely through videoconferencing software like Skype, Zoom, etc.

Here are few other ways you can stimulate your senses from home:

1. Consume Art from Home
Although art galleries and the like are temporarily closed to follow shelter-in-place or lockdown orders, you can consume art through your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or even smart TV. Many art galleries and museums offer virtual tours, high-resolution images, and other free services through the Internet.

With a virtual tour, you don’t have to be limited by your geographical location. Here are some famous places you can visit from home across the globe:

• Acropolis in Greece
• Machu Picchu in Peru
• Harvard art museums in the United States
• The Grand Canyon in the United States
• Mount Everest in Nepal
• Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina
• The Great Barrier Reef in Australia
• Antarctica in the South Pole
• Amazon Rainforest in Brazil
• And more.

2. Renovate your Home
With a new piece of art or furniture, you can revitalize the energy of your living space. Shop online to find the perfect item for your wall. You can also find custom wooden furniture online that adds style and class to your home.

Reclaimed wood furniture is an excellent option because it looks good, lasts a lifetime, has a low environmental footprint, and has a story to tell. Alternatively, consider adding a single leather seating to your living room. A gorgeous leather chair can function as the perfect accent piece.

3. Cook Something New
People under lockdown confess to missing eating at their favourite restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can always order takeout if you're craving Thai food, or you can learn to cook it yourself. Cooking is a highly stimulating activity that invigorates senses and releases stress.

You can always look online for easy recipes with rich fragrances if you're unfamiliar with the kitchen. Alternatively, you can buy meal kits where all the ingredients are already neatly organized in one convenient package.

4. Watch Experimental Films
Experimental films are a fantastic way to stimulate your senses and learn something compelling. For example, you can try Tripping the Niagara to get a soaring three-hour trip over the Niagara River from the perspective of a hawk.

5. Try Virtual Reality (VR)
VR video games are a great way to absorb entertainment in an incredibly immersive environment. With the right VR headset, you can enjoy thought-provoking titles with an added dimension even if you’re not a gamer. Of course, you can also use the technology to consume or create art or visit other parts of the world.

These are five ways you can stimulate your senses from the comfort and safety of your home. Take advantage of the extra time and shift out of your comfort zone to appreciate new experiences.