March madness, indeed. This month, we’ve seen unprecedented volatility on Wall Street and “shelter in place” mandates ripple through the San Francisco Bay Area, with cities like New York and Seattle debating whether to follow suit. Ironically, it’s technology, long vilified as the culprit of the loneliness epidemic, that is coming to the rescue as people host dance parties, yoga classes, birthdays and happy hours on platforms like Zoom and Google Hangouts. Many businesses, like San Francsico’s co-working darling, The Assembly, or social gathering platform, Quilt, have quickly pivoted to offer their services to online audiences. And they aren’t the only ones. For those of us looking for ways to stay connected in this unprecedented time, here’s a list of 18 free or discounted online classes, events, communities and offerings to take advantage of during quarantine.
Connect
Quilt (Free) — Based on the idea of a quilting circle, this community is centered around topical, in-person gatherings. During COVID-19 pandemic, CEO Ashley Sumner moved their circles online and opened them up for free. Well done!
Six Degrees Society ($25 per event) — Intentional networking focused on women and their personal, professional, and lifestyle development. Founder Emily Merrill brought her networking offerings online to help us stay sharp and connected.
Unicorn Wellness (30 days free) — If you’re astrologically inclined, this community is for you. Founded by yoga and pilates expert, Tandy Gutierrez, expect yoga, reiki and tarot readings in this private Facebook community for, well, Unicorns.
Move
The Assembly ($10 per class) — Founder Molly Goodson and her team have moved their signature classes, like STRONGER and Come Alive, to Vimeo live where you can chat with instructors and burn all those snacks off. You will feel the burn, and like it!
Glo (15 days free) — With over 4,000 classes from beginning yoga to pilates to conditioning, Glo.com has a wide variety of offerings, courses and teachers to bring yoga into your home practice.
Down Dog App (free until April 1st) — The Down Dog team are making their suite of workout apps free through April 1st. This includes Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre and 7 minute workout.
Create
Brit + Co (Free through March 31st, code: SELFCARE) — With so much time on our hands, why not learn how to decorate a cake, stylized lettering or upping our photography skills? The entire online catalog of Brit + Co’s creative classes is now free.
Elle Luna (Free, Instagram Livestream) — World-renowned artist, author and creator of the #100DayProject is now hosting free drawing classes via Instagram Live. Join her at 8 am PT for her daily practice of creating a mandala drawing.
Kelly Robinson (Free 90 min) — As we are now spending more time inside our homes, let international workplace designer, Kelly Robinson, help you find simple home office design that can uplift your mood and create balance with others in your household.
Wendy MacNaughton (Free, Instagram Livestream) — NYT bestselling illustrator and now quarantine art teacher hosts daily drawing classes for kiddos. Join her on Instagram Live every day at 10 am PT.
Meditate
Insights Timer (Free) — As I was crying myself to sleep last night, I found that Liz Gilbert had posted a free guided meditation on Insights Timer. This free conversation about fear and compassion is just one of many amazing talks, courses and guided meditations in this wonderful app.
Sacred Journey (3 months free) — Meditation courses inspired by the Kundalini Yoga tradition, which incorporates breathwork to move energy through the body to regulate anxiety, which (let’s face it) we all have right now.
Blood + Milk (Free, Instagram Livestream) — This community for awaken women is offering free mindfulness practices to help you ground into the present moment, breathe, and find moments of peace and calm amidst the chaos of the world right now.
Learn
ClassCentral (Free) — Pull a Good Will Hunting and show those Ivy Leaguers who’s smart. With over 500 courses in everything from computer science to art history, this is a great way to explore something that interests you. Maybe a new career path?
The Huddle (Free) — Professional retreats (or huddles) have become virtual as The Huddle has moved online for virtual classes and workshops centered around running a small business. Teachers include experts like coaches, PR practitioners and investors.
Duolingo (Free) — Sure, there’s a travel ban right now but we can dream, can’t we? With this free language app, there’s no excuse to show up on your next vacation without new levels of mastery.
Play
Daybreaker Live ($15, 3/21 at 8 am PT) — Now you can wear your jams to the best onsie dance party in your living room. With founder Radha Agrawal calling the shots, this party is going to be a glitter bomb with surprises and some much-needed levity.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Otter Cam (Free, Livestream) — Because otters are always happy. Give them a ball and they loose their minds, while swimming backwards. Watch them romp and play in the best aquarium ever. It’s a trip.
DIY (Free) — Even though we’re socially isolated, doesn’t mean we are alone. Send a calendar invite to your favorite people and create a Zoom dance party, karaoke moment or board games. The more creative and connected we can be, the better.
