Ways to Stay Active and Connected

By Sarah Trance, LMFT

We’ve begun settling into the new normal in NYC and the Greater New York area. Many are already experiencing cabin fever and feeling ‘stir crazy’ with the daunting idea of time. Scott Kelly retired NASA astronaut, wrote a great article in the NYTimes about how he dealt with isolation and encourages us all to remember that we are connected.

Although we realize that tidying-up is a great way to clear your mind and feel organized, not everyone has that bandwidth at the moment. Take a look at some tips we’ve collected throughout the week the help you find some calm and connected moments in spite of social distancing.

• Plan a virtual gathering- a double date, a play date for your children and friends or a scheduled group chat with extended family. Here is a popular app to use that is a free, face-to-face social networking platform: Houseparty  
  
  
• Virtual book clubs- Create your own or join a current group and allow your mind to exercise. There are popular book lists from people like Oprah (@oprahsbookclub), Reese Witherspoon (@reesesbookclub), Barack Obama (@barackobama) and even rapper, Big Sean (@bigsean)

---

• Virtual Story Time – have your child schedule a virtual chat with a friend or family member to read a story. This can help your child work on their reading skills while  providing connection to those that may feel isolated. Consider reversing the roles and having adults read to your child as well! Check out Storyline Online and Everyday Reading for a list of famous authors offering free virtual storytime during COVID-19 including Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems.
  
  
• Give back! If you’re feeling asymptomatic, there are ways to help your community at a safe distance. Find a vulnerable neighbor and consider leaving shopping for groceries or goods they may need. If you’re not sure who your neighbors are, take a look at this platform recently
  created by NYC college students to help others: www.invisiblehandsdeliver.com. This link is also a resource for those that are at-risk or vulnerable to COVID-19. You can use this site to schedule a grocery delivery in NYC -- it's for those who want to help and for those who need help... win-win!
  
  
• Virtual Dance Party or Lessons– Artists and DJ’s are beginning to stream live shows on YouTube and Instagram Live including John Legend, Cold Play and DJ D-Nice. Consider dancing around your apartment and get your partner and kids involved. Many choreographers and dance studios are also streaming dance lessons through their online platforms. Some classes are as cheap as $10.00 or even free. Here are a few to get you started:
  • CLI Studios: @clistudios
  • NYS Salsa Socials: @nycsalsasocials_
  • Dance on the DL :@danceonthedl
    
    
• Virtual exercise-Get your body moving at home! If you already have consistent exercise in your life, take a look at the classes you normally attend as many studios have moved online. This includes apps like Peloton, Orangetheory, CKO Kickboxing (check out @ckobayridge). If you’re looking for a free option, there are small business trainers that have content and free classes through YouTube and Zoom platforms or classes as low as $10.00 from Erica Hood: @hoodfit_
  
  
• Continue your spiritual rituals and worship - Check your local community as mass and other religious services are also being streamed. There are many online spiritual resources.  Here a a couple of examples:
  • Spiritual Practices for the Coronavirus Pandemic
  • Noroton Presbyterian Church
  • Hillsong East Coast Online
    
    
• Create a new hobby that feels both purposeful and grounding. Consider @shitthatiknit who has made a quarantine starter kit to learn how to knit: sends the supplies with video instructions and a virtual knitting class through Facebook. https://shitthatiknit.com/collections/quarantine-collection/products/the-quarantine-kit-cowl
  
  
• For therapists- Remember to practice what we preach and nurture yourself emotionally and physically. Some great resources during this time include:
  • Headspace @headspace is providing free access for public health workers. Use your NPI when you create your account and tune into mindful meditation and breathwork.
  • This website has over 50 resources including free CEU's, free on-demand workshops and self care tools.
    
    We want to continue to be a resource for you at MMFT! While isolation is real during social distancing, we can get creative with ways to cope and begin feeling productive. Together, we are fighting COVID-19 and stretching our creative brain to find continued closeness in our communities.