Staying Connected This Winter

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/01/01/950092678/dont-let-the-pandemic-winter-get-you-down-9-creative-ways-to-socialize-safely

One of the missions of Private Home Health Care is to promote health and wellness. Social connectedness and feeling part of a community is a pillar to well being. These tips can help you ‘weather the storm’ this winter season and bring sunshine to your life and others.

1. Embrace the cold – layer up and get outside to exercise!

2. Join a local outdoor organization – activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and bird watching are all safe, fun activities for the winter.

3. ‘Podding’ – create a COVID social pod with a few other families (or individuals) who follow the same sort of safety precautions

4. Old fashioned, long distance correspondence – Consider letter writing and sending notes and sending pictures and leaving care packages on people’s doors.

5. A shared memories project – The presentation included old photos and video clips from past holidays and vacations gathered by family members, who live in different places.

6. Virtual activities – including an activity in video calls with the people you miss — perhaps a movie you can all watch together then talk about or a game you can play virtually.

7. Working out or meditating together – Garfin also advises people to use technology to engage in activities that improve mental and physical health while connecting with others. She recommends exercise or meditation apps that include a social sharing component, like Fitbit and Nike Run Club.

8. Give help, time, and love

9. Practice gratitude