98 HELPFUL RESOURCES WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING DURING THE CORONA VIRUS
Hey y’all! I know a lot of people are in panic mode right now about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19)! My husband and I have officially been social distancing ourselves since Sunday, March 15th! Honestly, I haven’t done much since I broke my knee at the end of January and I’m finally starting to feel better and I’m able to walk around the house with just one crutch now. I was looking forward to getting out in the community more because these past 2 months have been really rough for me. But, now with this COVID-19 outbreak, I’ve had to practice social distancing instead of getting out in the community.
Honestly y’all–this all SUCKS! BUTTTT, instead of dwelling on the negative and trying to control something that is beyond our control, lets all try to help each other and make the best of a bad situation. Although we can’t control the situation, we CAN control our mindset. I decided to do some research and put together some helpful resources while we practice social distancing during this COVID-19 outbreak. I’m assuming everyone at this point has some knowledge on the virus itself, so below I will focus on some resources that will help us get through these awkward and tough times of social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak.
WHAT IS SOCIAL DISTANCING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Social distancing involves physically distancing yourself from other people during this outbreak. This allows for decreasing the chance to spread the illness to other people. CDC recommends staying at least 6 feet away from other people. I know it’s a total bummer that everything in the world is being cancelled and a lot of places in town are being closed including restaurants, bars, etc., but we have to stick together and focus on the positive. The last update on March 18th was 7,038 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States.
The goal of doing this is to help SLOW the spread of the disease so that our healthcare system can better manage the outbreak. If we don’t follow the recommended practice of social distancing, we could overwhelm our healthcare system in the United States and risk running out of hospital beds, ventilators, and exceed our healthcare provider capacity. If we practice social distancing, hopefully it will slow the spread of the disease and allow our healthcare systems to keep up with the needs of the COVID-19 victims. Social distancing is not to protect yourself, but to protect those that are more susceptible to the disease. Those who are more susceptible to the disease include older adults and those who have chronic medical conditions including conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.
98 HELPFUL RESOURCES WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES RELATED TO THE CORONAVIRUS
If you are anything like me, I did not fully understand the scale and severity of our current situation related to the novel coronavirus. In order to be better prepared to deal with the next few days/weeks/months, I suggest getting better acquainted with the COVID-19 virus. By understanding the basics of the virus and how easily it spreads, it allows us to realize the magnitude of this worldwide pandemic. I have attached 2 great resources, which include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and from the World Health Organization.
1.) CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a great resource, and includes some valuable information related to preparation, symptoms, public health, resources for health care professionals, cases and latest updates in the United States and around the world, etc. As a healthcare provider, I have been checking these resources religiously to ensure that I’m adhering to the latest recommendations when dealing with patients.
2.) WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: The World health organization gathers the latest data on COVID-19 cases, provides guidance related to several topics, including but not limited to healthcare, infection control, public health, and several other topics that are beneficial during this time.
HOW TO SUPPORT LOCAL AUSTIN COMPANIES
As soon as all of the social distancing recommendations came out, my husband and I started talking about how great of an impact this was going to have on the economy. We talked about macroeconomic changes related to the stock market and real estate along with the microeconomic changes that we will see in our own backyard. We live in Austin, TX (“the live music capital of the world”) and this COVID-19 pandemic could wreak havoc on small businesses in our area if we don’t continue to support them. I fear that the small business, restaurants, bars, gyms, coffee shops, etc. will have to close their doors or lay off employees if we don’t continue to show them love through these trying times. Many businesses here have shut their doors to the public due to COVID-19 and social distancing mandates, but there are still plenty of ways to support these businesses! For example, there are tons of restaurants that are offering the ability to purchase gift cards, delivery & curbside pickup. I’ve also seen local boutiques offering free shipping, curbside pickup, and free delivery. Let’s support these small businesses as much as we are able to so they can survive through these tough times!
1.) LOCAL AUSTIN BOUTIQUES include Adelente Austin, Beehive Boutique, Impeccable Pig
2.) Take out tracker– This allows you to see what restaurants are open in Austin and what services are offering
3.) GYMS like Heat Bootcamp, FIT austin, TheBarreCode, PurePilates Austin are just a few that are offering virtual sessions and/or working on getting together a virtual program. FIT austin is even renting out equipment. The one thing they are asking people not to do is freeze their membership. If you are a member of these gyms, let’s please help them get through this! These were some of my favorites when I was doing my ClassPass!
4.) Animal shelters are in desperate need of fosters- check here for more details!
5.) Give Local– you can buy a gift card to support your favorite local restaurants
RESOURCES FOR FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES
1.) Home Chef– I haven’t personally tried this one but I’ve heard great things.
2.) Hello Fresh- We actually use to get these, and thought it was good!
3.) Blue Apron– This was my favorite for a while (not the healthiest, but thought it was the tastiest).
4.) 44 farms- We actually received this as a gift, and if you’re looking for high quality meat and to support a local farm here in Texas
5.) Snapkitchen– I order from here frequently and I love their meals- healthy and delicious! Only available in select states
6.) Imperfect foods– We just ordered from here and I actually got the arrival in today-seems legit! We ordered a bunch of produce, turkey burgers, coffee, etc.. Click here for a coupon for $10 off if you are interested.
7.) Green Chef– We also use to order meals from here to make. They offer plant based, paleo, keto, and family plans. This was my husbands favorite!
8.) If you’re in Austin, Monique from Atxeatsandtreats, is offering meal prep services. You can check that out here🙂
FAMILY GAMES
1.) Kids against maturity– age 8-12
2.) Exploding kittens – age 7+
3.) Telestrations
4.) What do you Meme family addition– ages 8+
5.) Clue– this was one of my favorites when I was younger!
6.) Guess who– always a good classic!
7.) Spontaneous – ages 8+
8.) Scrabble– ages 8+
9.) Family feud– ages 10+
10.) Taco vs Burrito – age 7+
COUPLE GAMES
1.) Loopy
2.) Our moments– Everyone is talking about how good this one is! I just ordered this-I’ll report back!
4.) Couple Connect
WORKOUTS
I know I mentioned a lot of gyms are offering virtual sessions. If you are wanting some FREE workouts, here are some resources.
1.)Do Yoga with Me: FREE yoga, guided meditations. They also have an option to upgrade and pay for a subscription
2.) SweatyBetty: FREE workouts including cardio, yoga, bootcamp, and more!
3.) Popsugar fitness: has a variety of FREE youtube workouts
4.)Pilates on fifth workout: I haven’t personally tried this one, but it’s free for 14 days, so might be worth giving this a shot if you are into Pilates.
PODCASTS
1.)Rob Dial – The mindset mentor podcast – I’ve listed to this podcast for a while now and I’m obsessed! Short episodes and always is so motivating!
2.) The Influencer podcast– This one’s for all my influencers out there- a bunch of great info!
3.) Gary V
4.) Tim Ferris
5.) Bigger Pockets– real estate podcast
6.) The Drive – talks about health, longevity, & wellness
7.) Plastic surgery untold– the latest and greatest podcast all about cosmetic surgery and aesthetic trends. They keep super fun and entertaining! My husband is actually one of the hosts which is super cool and I’m so proud of him!
MEDITATIONS
These are 3 that I’ve actually tried and really like!
1.) Calm– They have a variety of meditations, some free and also you can upgrade to premium if you want to pay for more.
2.) Brain.fm (my husband signed up for this and likes it a lot! They have different categories to focus on like focus, relax, sleep, meditate). This one has a free trial but does cost to sign up. Honestly, I think Insight Timer for free is just as good if you’re just getting into meditating.
3.) Insight Timer– I just did a FREE morning meditation with this app and thought it was great! They also have ones for anxiety, sleep, and stress. They have 30,000 free guided meditations!
BOOKS
These are just a few that I’ve read and loved. Let me know if there’s any that I should add to the list.
1.) Super Attractor
2.) The Universe Has Your Back
5.) The Influencer
MOVIES
Here are some movies we’ve watched recently and enjoyed. Also, some movies suggested by friends.
1.) Knives Out
2.) 21 bridges
3.) El Camino
4.) Long Shot
5.) Home Again
6.) Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
7.) Secret Life of Pets (1 &2)- Reminds me of your dogs Pete & Cam lol
8.) Pandemic (I hear this is a good documentary)
TV SHOWS
Since I’ve basically been homebound for the last few months, here are some of my favorite Netflix and Amazon Prime shows to watch. Some others are TV shows suggested by friends:)
1.) Love is Blind
2.) You
3.) Alone
4.) Cheer
5.) The Pharmacist
6.) Unbelievable
7.) Dead to Me
8.) Good girls
9.) Ozark
10.) Stranger Things (I know this is old but this use to be one of my favs!)
11.) Dirty John
12.) What If
RESOURCES RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH
1.) 5 minute journal (gratitude journal- I have this and love it) It has a positive quote to start your day. You write down what you are grateful for, affirmation statement, and then reflect on your day
2.) What’s up app– free app that helps you cope with anxiety, depression, stress, and more
3.) Breathe2relax– breathing exercises to help manage stress
4.) Motivation daily quotes– Some positive quotes to start your day!
5.) Mindshift- helps with anxiety
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR KIDS WHILE THEY ARE OUT OF SCHOOL
I’m not a parent, but I did try to gather as many things as possible for those of you who have kids. I know most schools are closed, so figured I would do what I can to help with some resources.
1.) Online education classes for every age and grade- This website does a good job listing it all out!
2.) More online resources here
3.) Virtual Zoo- I saw they have live cameras, and even games and activities for children to do online. More info here and here.
4.) 200 free educational resources (K thru high school students)
5.) paint set for kids – thought this was a cool idea
6.) Speech therapy activities, apps, etc
7.) Occupational Therapy resources for kids
8.) Occupational & Physical therapy resources for kids: A Pediatric OT and PT established this blog and provide several free resources 🙂
VIDEO CHAT APPS
Since social interaction is limited, I decided to put together a list of virtual resources that will help keep you close to your loved ones. Being an Occupational Therapist, I can only imagine what my patients are going through not being able to see their family members right now. Some of these resources could help by providing virtual contact with loved ones and serve to brighten their spirits and hopefully decrease risk of depression.
1.) Facetime for apple users
2.) Skype- available for android and i phone
3.) google hangout – app for video and voice calls available for app and android users
4.) we chat
5.) Whatsapp
6.) Zoom- free and paid subscriptions available
These also may be beneficial to elderly:
6.) Portal +– smart video calling on the largest portal screen that has alexa built in, stores photos, show reminders
7.) ViewClix– allows for family members to share pictures, make video phone calls, and post sticky notes (for sending a reminder or special message to your loved one)
SUPPLIES FOR HOUSEHOLD:
Y’ALL- I’VE SEARCHED EVERYWHERE ONLINE FOR THE PAST HOUR TRYING TO FIND TOILET PAPER, LYSOL WIPES, AND HAND SANITIZER and no luck! I will keep updating this post when those items become available. We only have a few toilet paper rolls left at our house so wish us luck lol. In the meantime, if you want to keep your house sparkling clean, here are some of our household cleaning favorites haha…
1.) Meyers products
3.) I did find some paper towels in stock here
4.) Tissues in stock here (If toilet paper doesn’t come back, might have to just use these lol)
SERVICES BEING OFFERED BY CITY AND COUNTY OF AUSTIN
1.) very helpful and thorough resource guide here
THERAPY GAMES
Since I am an Occupational Therapist, I had to include a section on here of some fun games you can do with your patients. I catered these towards skilled nursing, assisted living facilities since those are the settings I have the most experience in.
1.) Easy puzzles: here, here, and here
2.) moderate difficulty puzzle here
3.) more difficult puzzle here
5.) reusable water painting and matching shapes (would be great activity for Alzheimers/dementia)
Hopefully this list of resources was helpful for y’all. Let me know if I’ve missed anything and if there are topics y’all want me to add or anything y’all would like me to add to the list! I plan to do another blog post related to social distancing this week.
Hope y’all are taking the corona virus seriously & that y’all are practicing social distancing!I know it sucks to stay home, but the goal is to slow the spread of the virus! Lets work as a community and stick to this. While I’m trying to remain optimistic about this entire situation, I’m also being as realistic as possible. I know a lot of small businesses are suffering at this time, but hopefully we can all come together as a community and help out in different ways. I do think things will get worse before they get better. I know it’s scary to think of the future of our economy, but we can’t change this situation we are in. All that we can do for now is help the people around us if we are able.
Lastly, if you purchase any of the Amazon items I have tagged, I do get a small commission and I truly appreciate y’alls love and support. Thank you for supporting this small business of mine 🙂 Thanks for reading and I hope these resources were valuable for you. If you did find these helpful, please share with a friend. Also, if you have anymore suggestions of things I’m missing or that I should add, I would love to hear some feedback. If you are social distancing and want to see some comfy items I put together from all of the sales going on, you can head to this post. I ordered some items and will be wearing them to our next virtual happy hour with friends lol. Thanks again for reading:)