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Top tips to help bring some cheer during these dark times

Since the lockdown restrictions were put in place in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all had to adjust to spending most of our time indoors. And for those of us who live alone, this has been a particularly difficult time. Although we can’t see our loved ones due to social distancing, online meet-up tools like Zoom and Skype have helped families and friends to keep in touch.

If you are worried about loved ones who are struggling during these difficult times, here are some suggestions that might help to brighten their day.

Check in with elderly relatives or neighbours

Social isolation can be very lonely for anyone who lives alone. Why not check in with your elderly relatives or neighbours to see if they need any help or perhaps just a chat? A phone call, text or email will show them that you care and that they are not alone. You could offer to pick up shopping or a prescription for them, but always be sure to follow the proper social distancing measures.

Make someone smile

Many people are coming up with creative ways to brighten up people’s lives and bring some cheer during these dark times. A popular idea is to paint a picture of a rainbow and place it in your window so that people can look out for these images, in a similar way to a scavenger hunt. If you have young children they might like to help. You could add in a positive, upbeat message alongside your picture.

Send a gift

Many businesses are still operating during the pandemic, such as independent health food stores, which are supplying us with much-needed health foods and health products. Many of these stores offer a delivery service too in order to keep to social distancing rules. Items such as healthy teas, natural beauty products and aromatherapy sets make thoughtful gifts for loved ones and may help to bring them some cheer.

Organise a virtual meet-up

If you are missing spending time with friends and family, why not organise a virtual meet-up? If you normally go out to the cinema with friends, you could arrange to all watch the same film at the same time and chat about it over a video call. If you go to a regular pub quiz you could try compiling your own questions and holding the quiz over Skype or Zoom. Missing your regular yoga or meditation class? Try holding it online. Although we are all distanced, we can still keep in touch and stay connected.

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