Sheltering in place can feel incredibly isolating, and though we know it’s important for our physical well-being, it can take a toll mentally and emotionally. We’re all looking forward to the day when we can reconnect with friends in person, perhaps while dining in at our favorite restaurant or letting the kids expend months of pent-up energy at the playground. Until then, here are some ways to stay connected with the people you love and make a positive difference in your community.
Have Some Fun
1. Grab the popcorn and host an online movie watch party with family and friends
2. Decorate your vehicle and participate in a drive-by birthday parade with music and signs to celebrate someone’s special day
3. Teach an online class in cooking, art, history, or whatever you’re good at
4. Organize a stuffed animal safari for children in your neighborhood to enjoy
5. Join or start an online book club
6. Support your favorite local restaurant and show someone you’re thinking of them by having a takeout meal delivered to their home
7. Lead an outdoor workout in your neighborhood… social distancing style
Volunteer
8. Use your professional skills to become a virtual volunteer
9. Deliver hot meals to seniors in need through Meals on Wheels
10. Do yard work for a neighbor
11. Foster an animal to help crowded shelters and rescue groups
12. Volunteer to assist with food distribution at local schools
13. Reach out to a nearby senior care facility to see how you can best assist with their needs
Share Encouraging Messages & Information
14. Leave a message of gratitude and support for healthcare heroes by calling 1-877-226-HERO (1-877-225-4376)
15. Be a listening ear by volunteering to become a crisis counselor for the Crisis Text Line, which has reported a dramatic increase in texts due to the pandemic
16. Chalk your walk with inspiring quotes
17. Send a handwritten note to someone who doesn’t have access to or struggles with using a computer
18. Share study plans and advice on homeschooling with other parents on social media
19. Post information online to connect the community with open businesses
20. Go through your entire phone contact list and call or text one person a day to check on them and offer support
21. Use social media to share ideas for coping with isolation and boredom
Donate
22. Make face masks to donate to organizations in need
23. Donate life-saving blood or plasma, especially if you’ve already recovered from the coronavirus
24. If you don’t need it, use the Economic Impact Payment you received from the Federal Government to start a personal relief fund to help others
25. Donate food and other essential items to homeless shelters and food banks that are running low on supplies
26. “Pay it forward” by continuing to pay service providers such as house cleaners, personal trainers, hairdressers, masseurs, and dog walkers, even if you’re not using their services right now. If you can't give them your financial support, reach out anyway. Tell them you're thinking of them, and that you look forward to booking an appointment as soon as this is all over. Consider writing them a positive review online praising their services.