Mental Health board urges COVID-friendly activities for holidays

In this season of ‘no,’ finding ways to say ‘yes’ can boost happiness.

The Mental Health Recovery Board of Clark, Greene and Madison Counties is sharing a list of winter and holiday activities that are COVID-19 friendly.

Reclaiming the holiday spirit and maintaining a cheery outlook this winter, while still observing safe practices may be as simple as changing your perspective, Dr. Greta Mayer, CEO of the MHRB said.

“If there’s a word to describe 2020, it would probably be the word ‘no.’ We want people to be safe, of course, by maintaining social distance, washing their hands and respecting public health mandates, but we also recognize that people are stressed and tired of focusing on all the things they can’t do,” Mayer said. “From a mental health perspective, it’s time we focused on all things we can, and want to, still do despite current circumstances.”

Focusing on negative thoughts and things that are out of our control, such as what we are not allowed to do, can increase symptoms and feelings of anxiety and depression, Mayer said.

“Flipping the script can do the exact opposite by boosting feelings of resiliency, hope and happiness,” Mayer said.

The MHRB encourages community members to start a simple list of things that are still safe during the pandemic, no matter how silly or simple.

“This goal is to train yourself to think of the possibilities and good things that are still available,” Mayer said. “Once the ball starts rolling, you might surprise yourself at the creative ways you can still have fun, socialize and live your life to the fullest.”

Some activities the MHRB suggests include:

■ Traditional outdoor winter activities that you’re able to do while socially distanced like sledding, ice skating or nature walks and hikes.

■ Surprising loved ones with cards and gifts through the mail.

■ Baking with friends and family members over a video call or doing a cookie exchange drop-off.

■ Parking lot gift exchanges.

■ Practicing random acts of kindness, such as shoveling a neighbor’s driveway.

■ Volunteering in the community, such as tutoring a student online.

■ Learning a new skill like painting, knitting, baking, speaking a language or playing an instrument.

■ Caroling via video call.

■ Planning a vacation and exploring options with friends and family.

■ Learning about how another culture or religious tradition celebrates the holidays and new year.

■ Donating to a local charity before year-end in lieu of exchanging gifts.

■ Creating a “best of 2020” list with your friends or family and keeping it lighthearted. “Being kind and thinking of nice things to do for other people will never be canceled,” Mayer said. “You can always say ‘yes’ to taking care of yourself, your loved ones and your neighbors.”

Contact this reporter at 937-610-7447 or email Riley. Newton@coxinc.com.