The experiences we are going through amidst this global pandemic are ones that we have never experienced and will hopefully never experience again. We know that this time may be extremely stressful for you and your families as our daily lives change drastically. The NAMI Care Club executive board has created this Social Distancing Care Package to provide resources and activities that may be helpful during this time. Whether you are looking for a good meditation app or a fun activity to do, this virtual care package is just what you need!
Intellectually Stimulating: It is hard to learn at home. Here is a list of websites, videos, and articles that may be good resources to help you study during this time.
Websites
Crash Course: Two brothers explain the basics and big issues of topics ranging from engineering to world mythology.
Khan Academy: Visual videos to aid in the learning of math, science, and the humanities.
AP Review: Online AP Classes and review sessions from the College Board
Shmoop: Offers videos, study guides, book summaries, and college help
Articles
Why You Procrastinate (It Has Nothing to Do With Self-Control): from The New York Times!
Rookie Mag: How to Be Alone: helpful in these social distancing times
YouTube Videos
SciShow Psych: Videos about exploring the human mind
NAMI Care Club YouTube Playlist: A collection of videos that we have shared in the past regarding mental health
Artistic Outlets: Looking for arts and crafts activities? This is the list for you. Even if you do not consider yourself an artist, give these activities a try! Art is a great form of de-stressing because it is a creative outlet that gives you the freedom to make your own decisions. This list includes coloring pages, painting tutorials, bullet journaling tips, and more!
Coloring Pages
Visit this website to access hundreds of free coloring pages!
Painting Tutorials
Bob Ross Oil Painting: Unwind by following some Bob Ross painting tutorials. Some of our favorite tutorials include Island in the Wilderness and Distant Mountains.
Watercolor Painting: Follow Youtuber Makoccino in some watercolor painting tutorials. Her easy watercolor video is a great place to start for beginners, or you can learn from one of her specific tutorials, such as learning how to paint a moon.
Bullet Journaling
Starting a Bullet Journal: use this guide to learn about the basics of starting a new bullet journal.
How to Use Regular Crayola Markers to Write Calligraphy: you don’t need fancy pens to do calligraphy, learn how to write calligraphy with regular markers!
Amanda Rach Lee: She is a Youtuber who makes monthly bullet journal spreads and drawing tutorials - perfect for a new bullet journaler!
Happiness Jar
Paint a mason jar however you’d like and write down things that make you happy and then put it in the jar. Use this video to learn how to make your own.
Recipes
Baking is a great artistic outlet! Use these recipes and learn how to make basic crepes, flourless chocolate cake, and chocolate chip cookies.
Origami
Relax by learning the art of paper folding. Here are some beginner’s tutorials to make paper cranes, dogs, and butterflies.
Entertainment: Staying at home means a lot of time to binge-watch, binge-listen, and binge-read! Here is a list of our favorite podcasts, movies, TV shows, music playlists, and books.
Podcasts
The Happiness Lab: Examines the latest scientific research on happiness and shares practical takeaways.
I Said What I Said: Two sisters talk about self-development and living with intention.
And That’s Why We Drink: True crime and paranormal comedy
Sierra Unfiltered: Two best friends talk about body positivity
Potterless: An adult guy reading the Harry Potter series for the first time and learning to love it
Movies
Julie and Julia: In this heartwarming tale, Julie Powell decides to spice up her uneventful life by cooking all 524 recipes outlined in Julia Child's classic cookbook.
Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King: Comic Hasan Minhaj shares personal stories about racism, immigrant parents, prom night horrors, and more in this stand-up special.
John Mulaney: New in Town: Stand-up comedian John Mulaney tackles such red-hot topics as quicksand, Motown singers, and an elderly man he once met in a bathroom.
TV Shows
The Good Place: Due to an error, self-absorbed Eleanor Shellstrop arrives at the Good Place after her death. Determined to stay, she tries to become a better person.
Schitt’s Creek: Suddenly broke, the formerly filthy-rich Rose family is reduced to living in a ramshackle motel in a town they once bought as a joke: Schitt's Creek.
The Crown: This drama follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century.
Jane the Virgin: After vowing to remain chaste until marriage, Jane Villanueva learns she's pregnant due to a medical slip-up and has to rethink her future.
Santa Clarita Diet: They're ordinary husband and wife realtors until she undergoes a dramatic change that sends them down a road of death and destruction. In a good way.
Music
Pumped Pop: Exercise to your favorite up-tempo songs
Happy Hits: Hits to boost your mood
Guilty Pleasures: Embrace your secret favorites
Chill LoFi Study Beats: The perfect non-lyrical study beats
Books
Feel-Good Books: Check out this list from Epic Reads if you want a book that will lift your spirits.
Mental Health Book Recommendations: Passionate about mental health and want to read books with mental illness representation? Check out this list!
The Libby App: We understand that lots of libraries are closed right now. But, you can access thousands of ebooks and audiobooks for free through Libby! All you need is a library card.
Healthy Living: It is often difficult to find the motivation to stick to a schedule or complete activities. These apps and videos will help you maintain both your physical and mental health.
Physical Health
Exercise Videos: Exercise is a great way to help improve your physical health during this time, and there is more than one way you can do this. Check out the following video and see which form of exercise works best for you!
Fitness Tracker Apps: Help keep tracker of your fitness with the following apps!
Workout for Women: Includes numerous free workouts for every muscle group and specific COVID-19 immune system boosters.
Nike Training Club: Includes numerous whiteboard and trainer-led workouts for all different muscle groups. Includes workouts for all levels, with or without equipment
Mental Health
Meditation
Learn mindfulness and how to calm your body by practicing meditation! Apps Headspace and Insight Timer are both provide great guided meditations for any situation.
Manage Screen Time
Multiple studies have shown that distance from screens results in improved mental health. When you download apps such as Flora and Plantie, seeds are planted based on the amount of time you spend away from your phone. Not only are you improving your mental health, but you’re also helping the environment!
Social Calendar
IRL- Social Calendar: This app gives you ideas for what to do based on your location. It helps you make plans with friends (from a distance) and helps you find good places to visit around you.