Monterey Peninsula Life and Business as (Un)usual during COVID-19 Pandemic: Here are Some Helpful Resources and Ideas to Thrive.

Life as we lived it a few weeks ago has undergone a paradigm shift called “social distancing”.  I prefer to think of it as “distance socializing” with meaningful and caring interaction along with physical separation.  During any crisis there are valuable lessons to be learned and there is nearly always an upside to every downside.  Right now, Americans are going back to the basics: family, health, fitness, and meaningful communication.  Our life has slowed down and we can use our extra time to speak more often with our children, spouses, friends, and loved ones.  Many of us  are exercising more, eating healthier, and helping one other.  Americans, along with all our global friends, are strong and together we will weather the storm of COVID-19.

Staying calm, positive and attentive to folks around us are the best things we can do right now to make a difference.  Now more than ever, supporting our community and helping our neighbors navigate these unusual times should be our number-one priority.  Here are some ways you can support yourself, your community and your family:

1. Order take out/delivered meals from local restaurants. Here is a list of restaurants that are open to serve you now.
2. Buy now, use later! Purchase gift cards from your favorite restaurants, retail shops, or personal service providers. Many businesses are offering discounts on gift cards which will put some cash in their hands now when they really need it.
3. Show some love and write positive reviews on a social media platforms about your favorite business owners. 
4. Donate blood to the Red Cross. Donating blood is an opportunity to save someone’s life.  Companies like Rejuvio or Vitalant will make house calls to make it easy to donate vital blood supplies. 
5. Donate food or cash to the local Food Bank.
6. Check in on friends, neighbors, and family from a distance.  Call, text, or video conference with loved ones using one of the many FREE tech apps to choose from: Skype, Zoom.us, Facebook, and WhatsApp.  
7. Small Business Disaster Loans apply here:
8. Visit the Harrison Memorial and Park Branch libraries virtually. Listen to an audiobook, check out an ebook or listen to some music.
9. National Association of Realtors resources for property owners during COVID -19.

10. Read and understand the stimulus package just passed by Congress:  Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which includes unprecedented provisions for independent contractors, individuals and small businesses.
11. Watch this video on food safety tips.
12. Click here to learn what you need to know about  Unemployment benefits .
13. Watch some TED talks.  Here are a few of my favorites:

• How to be your best self in times of crisis: Susan David, Harvard Medical School psychologist studying emotional agility. Nikki, I would add links for each of these talks.
• The healthcare systems we must urgently fix: Bill Gates, business leader and philanthropist. 
• What we can learn from China’s response to the coronavirus: Gary Liu, CEO of the South China Morning Post. Add link
• The quest for the coronavirus vaccine: Seth Berkley, epidemiologist and head of GAVI, the vaccine alliance. 
• How to create meaningful connection while apart: Priya Parker, author, The Art of Gathering.  

14. Watch a living room concert at home hosted by Elton John to raise money and combat COVID-19.  Save the date for Sunday, March 29th @  9 PM ET.

15. Adopt a pet from SPCA Monterey and share some love with an animal that will return it, unconditionally.  

Let’s all think outside of our own needs and help each other!  It will improve our mental health and strengthen our community.  I share a final image…