To say it’s been a tough time would be a massive understatement. The news, since late December, has been more gloomy than ever. It’s never been so important to stay informed with all things Coronavirus, but the endless scrolling and ‘it’s the apocalypse’ scaremongering has meant we’re all truly in need of some light relief. If there’s one positive to come from Covid-19, it’s all the stories of kindness – we forget, in our daily lives, how important the goodness of others is, and how paramount community mentality can be. So, to try and spread a little love, kindness, humour, and escapism, here’s a roundup of the week’s most heartwarming events that we guarantee will have you coming away feeling lighter…
1. Cruise From The Couch
A British couple whose 10-day pacific cruise was cancelled due to coronavirus decided to make the best of a bad situation, by recreating their holiday in their living room. In even sweeter news, the couple (Norma and Dave) are celebrating their anniversary.
2. Baby Goats
It’s Baby Goat Season, formerly known as Spring. The people over at Beekman 1802, who create beauty products from goat-milk, know that a lot of us will be missing simple joys like seeing baby lambs and goats prancing about, so have launched a Baby Cam Goat. We’ve got it permanently open in a tab, and thoroughly encourage you to do the same. If there’s one thing that always brings joy, it’s BABY GOATS.
3. Rooftop Workouts
Spain is in lockdown, but that hasn’t stopped people exercising – a personal trainer in Seville saw an opportunity to lead a fitness class from his roof.
4. Self-Isolation Goals
I simply cannot with this news. It’s too pure. It’s the definition of ‘goals’. Three elderly women, from the north of England, who are life-long friends, decided to move in together so they had some company during this period of self-isolation, and what are they planning on doing? Drinking wine and binge-watching The Crown. Obvs. What did I tell you, GOALS. The only stockpiling they have done is wine and chocolate.
5. Clear Canals
The coronavirus pandemic has had an unexpected positive side effect in Venice; normally, the canals are cloudy from all the boat traffic, but now the water is crystal clear enough to see fish swimming below. AND, people have even spotted Dolphins.
6. Christmas In March
Don’t worry, this one isn’t some *eye-roll* Christmas marketing ploy. To spread happiness and cheer, people in America are decorating their houses with fairy lights to spread a little joy. A hashtag on Twitter, #LightsForLife, has started, and it’s oh so pure.
7. Culture From Your Home
Good news for everyone already missing art and culture, Google Arts and Culture has partnered with more than 2,500 museums and galleries to offer virtual tours and online displays of their collections. Like Google Streets, you can wander around and ‘tour’ the sites.
8. TikTok Being TikTok
The best social media site to enjoy some escapism on is TikTok, and as usual – they’ve made everything a challenge. Even Coronavirus. To encourage people to wash their hands properly, there’s a new trend #HandWashingMove.
9. Most Magical Place on Earth
Disneyland and Disney World may be closed right now, but you can still enjoy the magic of their rides, via virtual tours uploaded on YouTube. For those with kids, this could be a life-saver. From Frozen Ever After ride, to Peter Pan’s Flying ride, you can now get an adrenaline hit from the comfort of your home.
10. Thank You, NHS Workers
Pret A Manger is giving free hot drinks to all NHS staff during the Coronavirus pandemic, all frontline staff will be able to claim free tea or coffee and also receive an additional 50% off everything else – it truly is the little things, and we’re so glad some big companies are helping to support those being selfless in this tough time.
Come back next Friday, for your weekly dose of lovely news.