Being in lockdown can make us all feel anxious and stressed. The constant reminders of the COVID-19 pandemic can overwhelm us all. But one of the best things for us to do is to be kind to ourselves and simply unwind.
Pouring a cup of coffee or tea and sitting down for a bit of self-care is a great way to cope with all the challenges of trying to work from home in the middle of a pandemic, which includes helping kids with their schooling for some of us.
Read, listen, watch
Auckland Council Libraries has a wide range of up to date and free books, magazines, newspapers and podcasts to explore and relax to as part of the eCollection.
Whether you love to escape into a novel, go on an adventure with a comic book or graphic novel or simply enjoy reading biographies, the Auckland Council Libraries eCollection has something available to help you relax the way you like to. Looking for something new? Check out the libraries blog for inspiration.
Download Libby, by Overdrive from your favourite app store to read thousands of books for free, including popular comic and graphic novels for all ages, whenever and wherever you are.
As well as that large collection, library membership also gives access to free update date streaming movie databases.
If you are over your online streaming service, maybe want an arthouse movie you cant find, head to the library website for arthouse and festival films, New Zealand made films and films and tv series’ from across the world. Or get nostalgic and explore the great range of movies from the 1940s and 1950s. There is something for everyone.
No library card? It’s as easy as signing up for a free eMembership online today.
Piecing together in peace
If you want something different to relax with, try the range of jigsaw puzzles put together by Auckland Council’s Corporate Records and Archives team or from Auckland Museum.
The Corporate Records and Archives team is tasked with preserving the corporate and collective memory of Auckland. Last year, they created a series of puzzles in lockdown and will be releasing a new one every weekday during this lockdown. Head to the At Home jigsaw page and simply select the image you want to piece together. Then choose the difficulty by selecting the number of pieces before starting.
Puzzles are a great way to relax, and it also allows you to explore our heritage records in a unique way.
Alternatively, check out the Auckland Museum jigsaw puzzles to explore some of the museum collection items as you relax.
Try out a jigsaw from Auckland War Memorial Museum online.
