March Wellness Star

3/17/2020 11:35 am

This month’s edition of Wellness Star is brief compared to other months as we are all adjusting to this time we are in. We are overloaded with emails, notices, media coverage, social media posts, and day-to-day information so we didn’t want to add more to that mix. We do, however, want to make sure that you take time to address the well-being of yourself, your family, our community, and doing what we can during this time of uncertainty.

Please keep in mind how teachers, administrative staff, healthcare professionals, custodian professionals, safety workers, city officials, and so many others in our community are doing their best to keep us safe, informed, and connected. Make sure to thank those who are doing their part during this time.

Remember to be patient with each other. Be kind during this time and always. Give yourself credit for doing your best. Make the most of this time together and embrace it. Take care of yourself and your family. Be well (as best as you can.)

Between numerous lists of online learning materials that are available during this time, make sure to also look into ways to practice wellness for your physical and mental well-being. And don't forget to try and have a little fun!

Stay Connected
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Have family meetings to check in with each other.
Reach out to family, friends, relatives, neighbors, community members.
Write cards and letters to loved ones.
Send letters and cards to the residents of SummerWood Senior Living or another senior living facility. ***See Details Below***
FaceTime or Skype relatives or friends.
Game marathons as a family (so many games can even incorporate math, reading, problem solving, strategies).
Make sure to reach out to someone if you’re feeling anxious, nervous, scared, or just need to talk.

Stay Active
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Online yoga instructional videos
Hopscotch (you can even create a math game out of it!)
Jump rope
Outside Phy Ed class
Family dance party
Go Noodle interactive videos
Make an obstacle course
Create a dice game (roll the dice, use those numbers for addition or multiplication for how many reps of a certain exercise to do).
Go for outdoor walks, with your family or use the time for yourself.
Tabata workouts: set a timer for doing each movement for intervals.
Create a scavenger hunt that requires solving a math problem, reading, or doing a physical exercise before receiving the next clue.
Create a neighborhood walking tour: everyone make a picture of a spring flower, shamrock, or something everyone can easily make. Post this picture on your front door and count how many you can find around the neighborhood.
Walk around your neighborhood with chalk and draw pictures or write messages for your neighbors.

Stay Creative
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Create a question jar: everyone write down silly questions and place them in a jar. Take turns drawing one and answering.
Art therapy and create a gallery wall.
Recreate your favorite famous art masterpieces.

Stay Grounded
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Briefly sit in the sunshine and soak in some vitamin D.
Have each member of the family find a spot within your home for alone time/quiet time/reading time/reflection.
Keep a journal of your time together to document events, day-to-day activities, feelings, etc.
Keep a gratitude journal each day. Look back on this when needed.
Clean out closets and drawers. Having a clean and organized space helps calm the mind. Plus, you might find some gems to pass along to others!
Do a puzzle.
Read past issues of Wellness Star 😊

Stay Curious
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Read and listen to books with Cloud Library or another free library option. Choose books to enjoy alone or as a family.
Find a new podcast.
Explore new music.
Find a new recipe and enjoy creating it as a family.

Start an indoor spring garden with seedlings. You may need those veggies soon!
Take a Virtual tour of worldwide museums, parks, zoos and other landmarks from around the world! Open up a discussion about what you see and how you feel.

SummerWood Senior Living Residents

Please keep in mind the residents at SummerWood Senior Living who are unable to see visitors or even socialize during meals or recreation activities. To brighten their days, please send cards, letters, and pictures to the address below and they will be distributed amongst the residents. They would love to hear from you all!

If you send your return address on a stamped envelope they might even respond and a pen pal relationship can form!

Pick-Me-Ups c/o Receptionist

SummerWood of Chanhassen

525 Lake Drive

Chanhassen, MN 55317

We wish you all the best as we take each day at a time. We’re all in this together. Stay well and do what you can to make each day one to learn, grow, and experience ways of compassion and positivity. Sincerely ~ Chanhassen Elementary PTO Wellness Committee (wellnesschanhassenpto@gmail.com)