At this time, we are days away from a month since the stay at home orders were put into place. Considering that many of us have never been in a situation like this before, there is no rulebook as to what is considered “normal” as a response. Throw normal out the window. For those who have found the stay at home and social distancing orders emotionally and mentally difficult, the TOS hopes you have found ways to combat the struggles by reaching out to family and friends. However, here are some resources that might help. We hope you take advantage of them. And we are always here to help. Feel free to email us at info@theoservice.org for any questions or concerns you may have.

Mental Health America (www.mhanational.org) is a great website that has provided many resources for all of us combatting the new normal of staying home. The mental and emotional stress that the pandemic has produced is multilayered. Taking care of oneself is crucial. MHA provides resources for financial help, tools to deal with anxiety, how to connect with others when feeling lonely due to social distancing, support for various communities such as the LGBTQ and Veterans, as well as tips on all around self-care.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org) has some wonderful posts on living in isolation and posts by others who have been affected by the change in lifestyle.

Social platforms, like Facebook, Zoom, and Google Hangouts have helped many, but it gets difficult for those who don’t find technology the easiest thing to use. Online games which are free and do not need to be downloaded may be an option for many to pass the time, especially those housebound. Just Google “free online games” and follow the prompts. The important thing is to keep the mind active, even if it is meditating.

Reading, journaling, learning a new language, cooking, baking, cleaning, washing windows, painting a room, going for a walk, starting a diet, a yoga practice, learning to meditate, learning something that you never had time for, and starting a garden are just a few of the activities that sites have suggested. It is also a good time just to be quiet and do absolutely nothing. Allow yourself the pleasure of feeling the silence of the Earth

However, if you are watching the news and know how to sew, think about joining one of the numerous groups that are making masks for the number of healthcare facilities in need of PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment). If you don’t sew, and are looking to make a mask for yourself, here are some websites with easy no-sew suggestions: https://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie and https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/10/well/live/coronavirus-face-masks-guides-protection-personal-protective-equipment.html#link-60e9a4e6

Stay safe and well. And may the soap be with you!!