Are We There Yet?

Many may recall us saying in programs over the past few months, that while we are all experiencing the pandemic together we are also affected by it in different and unique ways. Just like a road trip, on some days, we may chug along okay, but on other days it may feel endless and we just want to shout, “Are we there yet?”

Similar to a car trip, we know there will be an end to our current restrictions and the pandemic as a whole. But, we are not a hundred percent sure of how the rest of this experience will unfold or exactly when we will arrive at the endpoint.  This continued uncertainty can provoke a variety of feelings such as anxiety, unease, and even physical and mental exhaustion (commonly referred to now as Quarantine Fatigue). Experts agree that to help manage these feelings, it is important to focus on the present, to have a schedule, and to follow a regular routine.  Yet, many of us find ourselves bored with our day to day lives, or at a loss of how to make our days more interesting.  

Below is a list of suggestions, both recapping from previous articles we have written, as well as some new ideas that you might like to consider. Some coping strategies might help make the journey more pleasant, and others might be a one-time occurrence to make a difficult day a little less so.  Please keep in mind that some suggestions will speak to some more than others, and not all suggestions are practical for everyone.  Also, if you find yourself struggling to get through the days or having trouble processing difficult feelings, please reach out to a trusted friend, a member of the temple clergy, your Kesher worker, or call BH Link for 24/7 confidential support at 401-414-5465 (LINK). 

Please remember to try and be gentle with yourself and others. The end to this long road trip is approaching!

1) Connecting with Others: 

1. Reach out by phone: Calling others is something we have all heard a lot during the pandemic. But, we can’t stress enough the importance of a simple phone call to improve sense of connection, especially for loved ones who may live alone or who are more isolated.
2. Write a letter or a card to brighten someone’s day: Send it via email or snail mail. Just knowing someone else has been thinking of us can do wonders with helping to rebuild feelings of connection and community.
3. Nothing to Talk About? Try listening to music over the radio together, read a book and discuss it, watch the same television show, or perhaps try using a virtual platform such as the new Netflix Party app (which allows you to watch movies together with friends and loved ones) or another virtual platform.
4. Live in an apartment building? Try slipping a note under a friend’s door to let them know you are thinking of them. 
5. Try lunch with a side of entertainment:  Join Neal at the Kosher Senior Café online or by phone Tuesdays and Thursdays. 
   1. Use the information below to join in, or call JCS at 401-331-1244 for more information. 
   2. Thursdays in the Kosher Café https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83134455874?pwd=eWZUR3RReUh2QXRWV1BEQmowNmlNQT09 Or Call: 1-929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 831 3445 5874 Passcode: 725029
   3. Tuesdays in the Kosher Café https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81338348983?pwd=bURjbXJ3cDA1MFJIUVR3STZnV2NpQT09 Or Call: 1-929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 813 3834 8983 Passcode: 046461

  2) Help rebuild community; Give a little bit of yourself:

1. Try virtual volunteering or no contact volunteering.  Many organizations are still accepting knitted blankets, and some need volunteers to make telephone calls to check on others (to volunteer for Project HELLO, call The Point at 462-4444).
2. Prefer in-person volunteering?  Contact Jewish Collaborative Services at 401-331-1244 for no contact volunteer opportunities.

3)  Give your brain a workout:

1. Crosswords, Sudoku, puzzles, and coloring pages are ways to stay sharp.  
2. Feeling the need for a true road trip adventure? Most museums and landmarks have free virtual tours online (try the Smithsonian Museums, the British Museum, or Buckingham Palace for a start).

      
4)  Give your eyes a rest and let your ears do the work:
Rhody Radio podcasts by the Rhode Island libraries are available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts.  Or, get updated on the latest happenings with talk radio. If music is more your thing, scroll through the stations until you find something enjoyable.      

5)  Searching for something new to watch? 

1. Check out Age Friendly Rhode Island Room With a View Television Program for seniors.
   • Sundays @ 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Verizon 14/514; Cox 21/1015; Xfinity 292/820; Charter 194; Full Channel 991
   • Sundays @ 8 a.m. WNAC Fox Providence SD/HD; Verizon 11/511; Cox 11/1011; Xfinity 11/811; Charter 11/704; Full Channel 11
   • Saturdays @ 4:30 p.m. CW Providence SD/HD; Verizon 9/509; Cox 9/1009; Xfinity 293/813; Charter 113; Full Channel 11

 
6) Feed your spirit and mind:

1. Connect with your synagogue through services, classes, and activities.  Having technical difficulties? Many congregations provide telephone access to Zoom services and programs – reach out to your congregational office for additional information.
2. Meditation, Relaxation, and Yoga
   • Join Neal on Tuesdays in the Kosher café for chair yoga from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
   • Try the apps Calm, Headspace and Mindfulness (free trials but fees might apply). Ask your doctor for tip sheets on mindfulness and breathing techniques to reduce stress.

7) Improve your mood by changing up your environment:​
Experts agree that time spent in some sunlight is good for our physical health and overall mood. Try raising blinds, opening curtains, and positioning furniture near a window for a dose of brightness. Or you might even want to try painting a wall or two a lighter color. 

8) Get moving: 

1. On nice days, go outside for fresh air or to take a walk. Try a change of scenery by taking a different path (All Trails is a free app for walks and hikes, detailing length and level of difficulty), or take a scenic drive – perhaps Ocean Avenue or Route 4 Southbound to the RI beaches.
2. Put on some music and sway or dance, housework has double benefits – exercise and a clean house, online classes are available through Silver Sneakers (a benefit of some Medicare plans), Pilgrim Senior Center online, or AgeFriendlyRI.org.

If you need assistance putting any of these ideas into practice, please reach out to Shana at 401-428-4084 or shana@jfsri.org. Reach out to Tara at 401-527-7772 or tara@jfsri.org.

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