Research shows that reading can keep your mind and brain active. Pick up something you enjoy or even an audible book-listening to a good book counts as reading too! What are your favorite reads? Please let me know at jenniferc@soundgenerations.org. Reading out loud to yourself can help break up periods of silence if you live alone.
Laughter, it’s said, is the best medicine. And there is a lot of evidence that laughter does lots of good things for us. This has been documented since the 1300’s! It reduces pain and allows us to tolerate discomfort. It lowers blood sugar. It improves relationships and your outlook. Watch a funny video, TV show or radio program. Youtube.com has endless amounts of comedy to pursue from stand-up comedians or funny cat videos. Bookmark the sites you love. Comedy is a great distraction and can take your mind off COVID-19!
What’s outside your window? Mind your view. How does it change? Does it stay the same? We have had some really nice spring weather to take notice of. Keep an active journal about things you notice outside. Bird watch, People watch. Draw a picture of your view every day. Wave to people! Right now it’s important to connect any way we can with people. Waving is friendly and germ free!
Do you have computer access? Explore the world wide web! Look up your old addresses, schools ,neighborhoods on google earth or Zillow.com websites. Search old friends or clubs that you have been involved in. Many schools have alumni clubs. It can be fun to reminisce about previous places and remember the good memories. Research a destination you would love to visit! If you do not have a computer, can you write a letter to a friend or family member? Mail is one of our timeless ways to stay in touch and still reliable!
Try to do something creative today! Write a poem or start a positive journal (write down good things about the day…maybe at least two observations?) Maybe watch a video on how to learn calligraphy, paint, draw… even doodle! Coloring can also be therapeutic and relaxing.
Look to the past in general and to your past experiences. Get hope from your past and your resilience. What other challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? There are plenty of events to consider from weather related (hurricane, mudslide, earthquake) to national events like 9/11 or the 2008 financial meltdown/recession. You made it! You are stronger because of it. Know that you will get through this. Remind yourself of your resilience!
Limit your intake of news. Choose one source, like KING 5, Seattle Times or one of the national channels for example, and decide how much time to spend with it each day. Try your best to stick with that plan. My plan currently is reading online news sources in the morning for any updates-10 to 15 minutes on national news then again before dinner for 15 to 30 minutes for local news and weather. This provides me enough time to stay updated and not get overwhelmed! Please decide what you are comfortable with and adjust as necessary.