Free Virtual Activities to Help You De-Stress

April 20, 2020

We are approaching month two of the stay-at-home order, and we understand this has been a challenging transition for many of our students and faculty. To help pass the time, we’ve compiled a list of free virtual resources—some offered by Denver-based brands—for you to take advantage of when you have a break from teaching or studying. We hope that some of these options can help you relax and de-stress.

If you have other tips or tricks for getting through these strange and challenging times, we want to hear from you. Click here to submit.


Find Support

It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious or worried. If you need help coping, there are several resources online to start with. 

You@CUDenver offers quizzes to assess your physical and mental wellbeing, as well as articles on reducing anxiety and stigma related to coronavirus, hand washing, working out from home, and more. To log in, all you need is your CU Denver ID.

Apps like Headspace or Calm offer daily meditations, reminders, and tips for happiness and stress-relief.

TalkSpace is offering free mental health tips from its therapists, among other mental health resources during the COVID-19 crisis. Professionals offer tips on mindfulness, coping strategies, art therapy, and more.


Fitness 

If you’re using social isolation to focus more on self-care, there are plenty of online workouts to try. Remember, if you see the word TRIAL, make sure to read the fine print and set a reminder on your calendar to cancel before you’re charged for a full month’s subscription. 

Group Fitness: CU Denver Wellness & Recreation Services

Strength Training: Movement Climbing and Fitness DenverOrange Theory FitnessClassPass

Barre: Barre3Bar Method Online

CardioSelf Magazine, Obe FitnessPeloton Digital

KickboxingPOPSUGAR FitnessDaily Burn

Yoga: CorePower YogaAlo MovesMelissa Wood Health


Events and Entertainment

Television: Netflix’s new releases, Sling TV

Concerts: Colorado SymphonyThe Metropolitan OperaMetallica MondaysTogether at Home concert series

Museums/Musicals: Museum of Contemporary Art DenverKirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Smithsonian’s National Portrait GalleryBehind the Wings video seriesBroadway musicals

Zoos/AttractionsDenver Zoo Facebook LiveSan Diego Zoo live camsMonterey Bay Aquarium live camsSeaWorld Orlando, Atlanta Zoo panda cam


Travel (Virtually)

If you need an escape from the real world, these virtual experiences may be the next best thing to traveling.

Virtual Travel Experiences

Central Park, New York, virtual tour

Grand Canyon River Virtual Archeology Tour

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, virtual tour

Live Beach Webcams


Eat Up

The delivery services Uber Eats and Grub hub are both waiving delivery fees, and Chipotle is offering free delivery. Plus, ordering in (if you’re financially able to) helps local restaurants who are relying on takeout for their income.

Or, find some new cooking inspiration by enrolling in a free cooking class.


Learn a New Skill 

If you have an @ucdenver.edu email address, you have access to LinkedIn learning, an online portal with hundreds of free courses on everything from career development to project management. Or, pick a new skill to learn from this handy list compiled by Buzzfeed.

If you’re interested in learning a new language, Memrise has you covered.