While staying home is essential for flattening the curve, it is of critical importance to maintain emotional and mental health by staying positive and grateful, adapting to new ways to connect, and reaching out for help when needed.

Stay positive
Discuss experiences and feelings with loved ones, keep a daily gratitude journal, and practice mindfulness and relaxation exercises.

Community members who would like to refer a vulnerable neighbor, or family members wanting to sign up a loved one, can request a wellness check online. City staff, who are background checked and supervised, will be able to connect those referred with various City, county, and nonprofit resources available to them and will check on them weekly until the stay-at-home order is lifted. 

Develop a virtual support network
Create a group text or phone tree with your family, neighbors, or friends and reach out occasionally to check on each other.

Take virtual tours
Like most other businesses, museums and parks all over the world have closed to support social distancing orders. You can still get a healthy dose of culture and nature with these online tours. The Smithsonian has put together a list of venues that offer robust virtual tours. Google Earth is offering virtual tours of 31 national parks. Google Arts and Culture has tons of virtual tours and countless hours of exploration for all ages.

Check out the City of Menlo Park's Virtual Rec Center online, for more activities to do with your family!

Take care of your mental health