by Cam Howey
Contributed by the Brentwood Comunity Association
Volunteer (Safely!):
- If you are not in an at-risk group, find out how you can safely help in your community (e.g. food bank, emergency shelter).
- Pick up groceries for those who can’t get out.
- Cook an extra portion or two and freeze them for seniors or others in need.
- Offer to mentor someone who is struggling with technology such as Skype, Zoom, and Facetime, so they can stay in touch with loved ones.
- Virtual storytelling: read to someone who feels isolated, or to children so their parents can have a break.
Start a new hobby or re-kindle an old one:
- If you need supplies to get started with knitting, railroad modelling, or whatever piques your interest, consider supporting a local business. Many stores are offering delivery or curbside pickup to make transactions easy and safe. Our city’s small businesses will thank you!
Learn new skills:
- Try out an online open university course. A quick web search will bring up many options in all sorts of subject areas.
- If your interests are more practical, spend time watching tutorials on YouTube.
- Ask a friend, neighbour, or your favourite aunt to share a recipe remotely. It’s a great time to learn how to make those favourite buns, cookies, or cabbage rolls!
Build your CV:
- If you have been laid off, furloughed, or have a reduced workload, start laying the groundwork for the post-COVID job hunt– or impress your boss with enhanced skills when you go back to the office.
- (Virtually) Build up Your Personal Network. It is estimated that 85% of jobs come from your personal network, not postings. Catch up with friends, follow up with business contacts; you never know where an opportunity can come from down the road.
- Update and refine your CV and tune up your LinkedIn page.
- Take an online course related to your field of work, or enhance your computing skills by following online tutorials.
Start (or enhance) a personal fitness routine
- Identify exercises you can do at home without any equipment, like planks, yoga, or push-ups.
- The Royal Canadian Air Force 5BX and XBX Plans, for men and women respectively, have been popular for almost 60 years, require no specialized equipment, and take less than 15 mins. per day. Look them up online and follow along!
- Get together with friends and hold a virtual yoga group.
- Finally, get outside! Go for a walk or a bike ride – just remember to practice social distancing and give others plenty of space.
