Together while apart: Fiscally friendly ways to stay connected during physical distancing

Practicing physical distancing does not mean that you have to eradicate all contact with your loved ones!¹ In fact, the Canadian Mental Health Association suggests that this is the time to lean on your loved ones for support².

Use technology to stay connected

When unable to be close physically, technology can support a myriad of non-traditional and financially-friendly ways to stay social and connected.

• Use video chat applications to maintain face-to-face contact from afar. Schedule a virtual “hang-out” with your friends at the same time every week to chat or play games.
• Host long-distance Netflix movie nights with video playback and a group chat.
• Consider trying QuarantineChat. This service connects people in self-isolation or quarantine and provides a space where they can communicate and support each other.

Take advantage of our backyard

Get outside and (responsibly) enjoy the breathtaking beauty of our backyard in British Columbia. While some parks may be closed, there are still plenty of ways to safely spend time outside. Spending time in nature can preserve and improve mental health by decreasing feelings of anxiety and depression, and improving general feelings of wellbeing³. Best of all? It’s free!

Plan unique, low-cost, virtual events with your friends and family

• Have a virtual picnic in your living room. Organize a video meeting with friends or family, set up your living room with a picnic blanket, make some tasty food, and have a picnic extravaganza in the comfort of your own living room.
  Host an online jam session. For musicians, those who are musically inclined, or those who just love a good jam session, creating music together is a great way to connect. Research suggests that listening to and creating music can facilitate connection and increase happiness levels, lower stress and help us sleep ⁴.
  Grab a canvas, some paint, and a few friends to host a virtual paint-night. Whether you have a specific painting in mind, are using a paint-by-numbers kit, or just feel like free flow painting, this is another unique way to get creative and feel connected to your community. Art is linked to facilitating mental health and can help reduce stress and anxiety⁵.

References:

1. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19
2. https://cmha.ca/news/covid-19-and-mental-health
3. https://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/park-board-closes-playgrounds-reminds-community-to-adhere-to-social-distancing.aspx
4. https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/harnessing-the-healing-power-of-music
5. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/blog/how-arts-can-help-improve-your-mental-health

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