By RMHP
Staying connected with your friends, family, and community members is an essential part of maintaining mental health. Unfortunately, 2020 showed us how much we miss interacting with each other face to face. The good news is, there are plenty of new opportunities for staying connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Companies like Zoom made it possible for us to keep in touch throughout the pandemic with minimal hassle. Facebook also remains a very efficient way to join like-minded groups to discuss topics of interest.
However, one option that was designed specifically with Western Slopers in mind is Western Slope Now. This website offers a substantial list of virtual events that you can easily join by following the links in each option.
Book clubs, churches, and trivia nights have also moved online. You can still enjoy these activities with your family and neighbors virtually over video chat.
Keeping your kids safe while they’re online is more relevant now than ever before. They need just as much social interaction as adults, and their avenues may be slightly different. Luckily, there are still plenty of kid-friendly activities available. This way, your kids won’t feel bored because they can still meet up with their friends while being stuck at home.
An example you can enjoy free of charge would be to take advantage of virtual museum tours. You can even create a scavenger hunt for adults and kids to learn more about local and world history.
There are other options available if social activities are not enough for you to feel engaged with your local community. Many Western Slope cities and municipalities open the floor to engage with their residents to discuss plans to improve towns and cities. These virtual city halls will help you scratch that itch you might have to civically engage with your local community. You can even encourage your friends and family to join you.
Another option is to host your own virtual social gathering for your neighbors. Whether it is an activity you used to do or would love to try, this can work! You and your friends can organize and run the same activities available on Western Slope Now to give you all something to do on a schedule that works for everyone involved.
You can always host activities like a movie night, which can be family-friendly as well. Staying safe at home during the pandemic doesn’t have to mean you can’t spend time with your friends. Now more than ever, we need to stay connected. Consider taking advantage of different virtual events to keep yourself engaged and your mental health in check as the world adjusts to the new normal.