The last few weeks at home with limited access to extra-curricular activities, friends, and social contacts have allowed us to spend more time with family and catch up on sleep, household projects, and Netflix programs, but they’re also likely leaving us feeling a little disconnected and lacking in structure. Below are a few ideas on how we can stay connected with our communities and promote health and wellness as we adjust to these new routines.
Host an online event
Whether it’s a book club, a dance party, a karaoke night, a poetry reading, or just an opportunity to get together and chat, you can organize online gatherings using a number of social networking apps.
Lend a hand
Send an email to neighbours or post a sign on the community mailbox. Are you able to share your talents with others? You may be able to tutor younger students online or drop off supplies to someone in need.
Get reading
Connect with younger students, siblings, or cousins remotely and become a ready buddy! Share your favourite stories with them and support the development of their reading skills, as you take turns reading to one another.
Write
Mail a postcard or letter to let others know you’re thinking of them. It’s always fun to find a gift in the mailbox, so your small action will undoubtedly brighten someone’s day, and perhaps they will reciprocate and you’ll find yourself with a pen pal.
Many seniors residences, which have been hard hit by the COVID-19 virus, are happy to receive letters. Look up a local residence and see if you can connect with and cheer up some of the seniors in your community.
Seek out recommendations
Create a Google document and invite friends and family to contribute their favourite movies, books, and Netflix programs.
Explore your culinary side
Use this time to experiment in the kitchen. Maybe you’ve watched all of The Great British Bake Off and you think it’s finally time to try your hand at making a chocolate roulade or a crème brûlée or some biscotti. Or maybe you’re excited to make your family dinner? Create the restaurant experience, as writer Rachel Khong did, in your very own home. Try to recreate family favourites or tackle a new recipe. Here are some ideas.
Bang those pots and pans
Participate in the 7 pm cheer, which shows support for healthcare professionals and essential workers. Clap, cheer, and make some noise and, in the process, feel connected to your neighbours. We’re all in this together.
Pick up the phone
You know who always appreciates a call? Grandparents! Give them a call and ask about their day. Ask to hear cherished family stories. Tell them what you’re learning about in school. Phone calls can be much more intimate and warm than a text message, and it’s good to hear people’s voices. Don’t worry about not having much to say; “hello” is a great start.
