At Stars Behavioral Health Group, we understand there is a lot going on right now and we are here to support you in any way that we can. We urge you to take care of your mental health right now, as it is just as important as your physical health. It is okay to worry and feel a little anxious, together we will get through this. Here are some things you can do to help with the unease you might be feeling:
⭐ Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news (including social media). Please be wary of misinformation. Trust verified sources such as the CDC, WHO, and your county’s department of public health.
⭐ Connect with your loved ones and focus on your relationships. Call your friends and family, Facetime/Skype them, text them, and check in on one another.
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During meals, consider Facetiming or Skyping with your friends, family or coworkers to share your meal together.
⭐ Make time to unwind—there’s plenty of things you can do to take your mind off things.
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Watch your favorite movie/series or binge watch something new! If you don’t have a streaming subscription, click here for a list of free online streaming services to enjoy. *If you have Netflix, host a Netflix Party with your friends and family. You can all watch your favorites shows and movies together and talk about the plot twists!
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Read a book or ebook. Browse through a collection of free ebooks here and here.
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Listen to a podcast.
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Take a virtual field trip to museums via Google.
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Have a night at the opera via a free live stream courtesy of The MET. Each performance is available from 4:30 pm until 12:30 pm the following day. Streaming is free on the site, however you can also stream it through on Demand apps like Apple, Amazon, Roku, and Samsung Smart TV.
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Sing along to Broadway musicals with a free trial at BroadwayHD.
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Break out the board games and card games.
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Stream live concerts (some artists are announcing on Twitter and Instagram that they’re livestreaming performances, check your favorite artists’ social media handles for information).
⭐ For parents, here are some resources for you and your children:
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Drawing sessions with Mo Willems, the Kennedy Center’s resident artist. New episodes are on weekdays at 11 am.
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The Brooklyn Public Library is offering a calendar of virtual storytimes for you to tune into.
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Story time from space with a NASA astronaut with science demonstrations.
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Space Station Explorers offers free at-home learning activities.
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Discover the surface of Mars.
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The LA Public Library has activity ebooks for kids. You will need a library card to access these resources, if you don’t have one, register here.
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The California Science Center has family activities for everyone to do with household supplies.
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Virtual field trips to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Houston Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, San Diego Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, or Georgia Aquarium.
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Learn how to code through free classes on websites and apps.
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Listen to an educational podcast.
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Have your kids try out fun interactive themed yoga with Cosmic Kids Yoga.
⭐ Take care of your body and get plenty of rest. Schedule time in your day to take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, do at-home workouts, or enjoy nature.
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Here is a list of at-home workouts you can do with little to no equipment needed. Workouts range from guided meditation and yoga to HIIT to pilates. Try out something new and incorporate it into your daily routine to reduce stress.
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Get some fresh air by going in your backyard or front yard. If you intend on going outside to take a walk in your neighborhood (or your local park/hiking trail), practice social distancing by increasing the amount of space between you and other people.
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Virtually tour a National Park here.
- Take a walk in one of these gardens.
