As we find ourselves adapting to this new normal, we all need some inspiration on how to stay busy and engaged. The Working Capitol team weighed in on their favourite content to serve as a go-to list when that restlessness kicks in. Adjusting to social distancing (especially over a weekend) can be challenging, but sometimes connecting with ourselves and our needs, through some amazing content is just what we need.
Things to watch
Dan Gilbert’s TED talk about exploring the science of happiness and if getting what we want actually makes us happy. Watch here.
Watch Matt Walker’s TED talk discussing why sleep should be considered a superpower and ponder if we should all just be focusing on getting more shut-eye?
If documentaries and current affairs are your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice with streaming subscription service iwonder. We suggest Out of the Dark – a riveting film made about the dramatic cave rescue of Thailand’s Wild Boars soccer team.
With Zoos Victoria live streaming their zoos, you can get up close and personal with the animals without leaving your house. No need to brave the weather and smells? We’d consider this a win.
(Bonus: Watch as one of their zookeepers shows off his best dance moves to keep viewers entertained)
If you are looking for your next binge, here’s a list of what has been keeping us in front of our screens:
● Bojack Horseman – Netflix
● Good Omens – Amazon Prime
● Gentefied – Netflix
● Ugly Delicious – Netflix
Things to listen to
Playlists
Sometimes all you need is a good soundtrack to make the days pass by quickly.
For a one-person dance party
Interested in what Rita Wilson is listening to while serving her quarantine?
Podcasts
No Such Thing as a Fish
Funny, irrelevant and bursting with knowledge, No Such Thing as a Fish is produced and presented by the writers of British panel quiz show QI. Guaranteed to fill your head with random facts you can bust out to impress strangers once social gatherings start up again.
Serial
If you haven’t taken the plunge into the Serial podcast series then we are seriously jealous. This binge-worthy podcast is brought to you by the strikingly smart team behind This American Life (a renowned NPR radio show). Illuminating the state of the judicial, military and correctional systems in the US. This might sound like a heavy topic but we assure you, you won’t be able to hit pause. Exploring both high and low profile cases and crimes through each court system, the podcast takes listeners through 3 seasons of addictively thrilling and suspenseful storytelling. As the topics and cases are unrelated, you can start from any season.
The Tim Ferriss Show
Dubbed the ‘Oprah of Audio’, Tim Ferriss’ popular business podcast features individuals at the top of their game, from all walks of life (investing, sports, business, art, etc). In his interviews, he extracts positive and relatable tactics, tools, and routines that we can apply to our daily lives.
Things to Do
Take an online course with Coursera.
With so much time on your hands, perhaps this is the time to challenge yourself to give mediation a shot; challenge yourself to see how many days in a row you can go. Try these apps: Calm | Insight Timer
With Alo Moves (free trial period), you can get sweaty from the comfort of your own home.
Things to read
● Becoming – Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s deeply personal memoir walks you through her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With her wit, warmth and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama takes readers on a journey to discover the forces that have helped shape her into one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. Dive into her life of steadily defying expectations and be inspired to do the same.
● How We Disappeared – Jing Jing Lee
This debut by Singaporean author Jing Jing Lee opens up a window on a little-explored period of history – the Japanese Occupation in Singapore. Taking us on a journey through the eyes of two generations, weaving together two timelines and two very big secrets, this book masterfully navigates the intricacies of family ties and the effect secrets can have on them.
● The Moth Presents:
All These Wonders: True Stories About Facing the Unknown
Occasional Magic: True Stories About Defying the Impossible
Storytelling phenomenon The Moth has curated two collections of unforgettable true stories that celebrate finding beauty, wonder and clarity in light of seemingly impossible situations and venturing into uncharted territories. A celebration of our shared human experiences, these books are a great reminder to be more authentic, open and vulnerable.
We hope this list can keep you busy and inspired as we all get through this challenging time.
