The coronavirus pandemic has left us all feeling a little uneasy with increasingly alarming stats, news coverage and shelter-in-place mandates. At Revel Communities, we are committed to maintaining a wonderful quality of life for our residents, so we’re introducing new, tech-enabled ways of doing things and finding every opportunity to be better. Here are a few of our tips for staying happy and healthy during these uncertain times.
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Learn Something New
Always wanted to knit but don’t know how? Now is the perfect time to learn something new. Check out Masterclass for expert-led classes in nearly everything from tennis with Serena Williams to cooking with Gordon Ramsey. Even Yale is opening their classes up to the masses. They are currently offering their popular course on happiness called The Science of Well Being for FREE on Coursera. What will you learn today?
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Grow Your Green Thumb
Did you know that indoor plants help to remove allergens and produce oxygen? Not only are they home helpers, but the Journal of Health Psychology also notes that caring for them is a great stress reliever, which most of us can use now more than ever. Whether you have plants on your patio or the indoor kind, now’s a great time to focus on their growth. No plants to cultivate? Consider ordering an indoor herb garden starter kit and start from scratch!
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Get Connected, Online
While we may have to practice physical distancing right now, technology is helping to bring us together. There are a variety of services that can enable video calls with your friends and family including Skype and Facebook Messenger. How about getting the whole group together for a virtual reunion? Zoom, a video conferencing service, is offering free accounts so you can connect with others online. Get started here.
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Listen to a Book
Curling up with a good book can be a great way to pass time, but sometimes you want to be transported to another world with minimal effort. Consider listening to your next book. Here are some of our favorite audiobooks that are worth a listen:
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- Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Family drama reaches a boiling point in this poignant novel about the power of motherhood and the dangers of perfection. (Bonus: This is now a popular series on Hulu starring Reese Witherspoon. - A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
You’ll be charmed by this Swedish novel about a grumpy, yet lovable older man who finds connection when a young family moves in next door. - Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore
A remarkably inventive novel that explores what it means to live a life fully in the moment, even if those moments are out of order. - Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant
After the unexpected passing of her beloved husband, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg shows you how she, and many others, have overcome a wide range of hardships and triumphed over tragedy.
- Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
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Wash Your Hands
As you have surely heard, frequent hand washing for 20 seconds or more is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. That being said, we’ve got a fun way for you to ensure you are getting the full 20 seconds of handwashing in each time. It’s called the “I Will Survive Challenge.” Simply sing the chorus of Gloria Gaynor’s chart-topping disco hit “I Will Survive” while you are scrubbing up. Not only does it promote positive thinking, but it also takes exactly 20 seconds!
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Laugh it Off
There is truth in the saying that laughter can be the best medicine. Find a few moments each day to laugh, whether it’s watching your favorite comedy or silly cat videos on Facebook. You can even ask Amazon Echo (Alexa) or Google Home to tell you a joke. When you find a good one, share it with family and friends to brighten their day, too. Here’s a meme that gave us a chuckle recently.
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Give Back
With kids being home from school and so many people searching for things to occupy their time, now’s a great opportunity to share your talents and wisdom with others. Are you a master pianist? Try recording a how-to video using your smartphone and sharing it on Facebook. Do you make the world’s best peanut butter cookies? Write down the recipe and send it to friends and family.
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Get Some Fresh Air
While many cities and states have issued shelter in place mandates, practicing social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t get some fresh air. Try opening windows in several rooms to create a draft and improve air circulation throughout your home. Enjoy a meal or a beverage al fresco on your patio. Walk the dog, or go for a short walk around your community, making sure to stay at least six feet away from others. A little fresh air can go a long way to improving your mood and making you feel more energized.
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Move Your Body
You may not have access to a gym right now, but there are several ways to get physical at home. Remember to always start with stretching, then work up to chair squats (going from sitting to standing without using your hands) and push-ups against a wall for strength training. Love music? Put on your favorite songs and move to the beat! You may be a great dancer or have two left feet, but who will notice?
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Turn the News Off
It’s tempting to watch the 24/7 media coverage of the pandemic, but hearing negative news repeatedly can be upsetting. It’s good for your mental health to take a break from the news from time to time. Focus instead on taking care of yourself, making time to unwind and connecting with others.
