All the Resources You Need to Stay Connected and Curb Boredom

How have you been adjusting to the new norm of social distancing and quarantining? Although these measures are necessary, physical distancing can take quite a toll on our mental wellbeing. Whether you are missing loved ones, struggling to find motivation, or looking for something to help make the long days indoors go by just a bit fast, we've compiled a guide of resources for:

Keeping in Touch

Humans are inherently social animals. It's vital to our wellbeing that we stay connected with friends and loved ones during this time. It's as simple as reaching out and let people know you are thinking of them.

• Schedule weekly virtual hangouts, happy hours, or lunch breaks via Zoom, House Party, or Facetime
• Host a long-distance movie night or binge-watch your favourite television show together with Netflix Party
• Leave a care package on their doorstep (but be sure to give them a heads-up that it's there) 
• Find a penpal or write handwritten letters to friends and loved ones
• Go old school and phone a friend

Getting Creative 

Now that we're going to be spending most of our days indoors for the foreseeable future, it's time to get creative. 

• Enjoy the Calgary Orchestra from home with a free live-stream library of classical masterworks, cutting-edge new works, pop favourites, and more
• Tour 12 famous museums right from the comfort of your couch 
• Discover new tunes and indulge in old faves with playlists from Camp Brand Goods
• Learn a new language, watch a movie with the kids, relax with an audiobook, and more with a free Calgary Library card. Get yours here.
• Explore online programming for all ages at Glenbow Museum and Telus SPARK, or take a virtual field trip 

Supporting Local 

Across Canada, and the world, businesses and their employees are trying to grapple with the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, we urge you to shop local. It's the only way to keep our community vibrant and resilient. 

• Shop for groceries at your local grocery store, farmers market, or Earls! 
• Use this free directory to find businesses in your area who offer delivery or curbside pick up 
• Purchase gift certificates now to use later
• Order meals for takeout or delivery from local restaurants, and #savehospitality 
• Send messages of support on social media
• Read more about the importance of supporting local in our previous blog post

Staying Active 

It can be challenging to maintain a physically active lifestyle now that gyms and fitness centres are closed. However, more and more studios and trainers in Calgary are offering online classes for yoga, boxing, and more. Many of which are free or available by donation. 

• Keep your heart rate up with live, follow-along strength and yoga workouts from The Academy 
• Sweat in real-time with Barre Body instructors on Facebook and Vimeo 
• Participate in a six-week fitness and nutrition challenge with Crush Camp, or join in on a free live workout via Zoom
• Find more local workouts here 

Practicing Self Care 

These are stressful and uncertain times for everyone. While it's important to stay informed about what is happening around us, it can also be overwhelming. Creating a self-care routine or practice can help ease some of the stress.

• Sometimes self-care can be as simple as getting dressed in the morning 
• Apps like Calm and Headspace can help with sleep, relaxation, and mindfulness 
• Need to talk to someone? The Calgary Counselling Centre is offering counseling services online or by phone 
• Take ten with a free mediation workshop from Passage Studios 
• Read more about how to practice self-care with our 10 Self-Care Tips for Men

Click here to view more individual and business resources, programs, and services from the City of Calgary. Want to add something to our list? Leave us a comment.