“Journaling: The Easy, Time-Tested Strategy For Becoming Happier and More Successful

Let’s talk about journaling. Writing in a journal or diary is one of the best, easiest, low cost ways to improve your happiness, have more emotional intelligence, and to help you reach your goals.

Journaling is easy to get started. You don’t need complicated technology that takes a long time to learn. You don’t need to buy some sort of expensive gadget that is out of your price range. It doesn’t require fancy running shoes, or even require you to break a sweat like exercise does. It’s not a difficult or complicated skill to learn…writing in a journal is so easy that anyone can do it as long as they can write.

Whether you choose to write in a program like Microsoft Word, an app like Evernote, or with old-fashioned pencil and paper, you start to get the benefits of journal writing immediately.”

Read the full article, then see a list of Journal Prompts to help get you started.  Happy writing!

Some of you have asked if the annual City of Markham Canada Day Seniors Lunch would go ahead this year given the current COVID-19 situation.  Unfortunately it had to be cancelled, as did other large gatherings.

In an effort to celebrate Canadian pride while practicing physical distancing, the City will host Markham’s first-ever virtual Canada Day celebrations, to take place online on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.  Planning for the online activities is currently underway.  Check back for more information and updates.

As you may have learned, the Canadian government has announced additional aid in the form of a one-time tax free payment of up to $500 for eligible seniors to offset any increased living expenses they have incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

See details here.

It’s great to still feel connected while we are physically apart.  That’s why Markham Public Library has launched Keeping Connected – a phone check-in service for our community.   When you sign up you’ll receive a call from MPL staff once, weekly or biweekly.  A library card is not required.

They can offer library program information, help with online services, Reader’s Advisory (reading suggestions based on your reading interests), as well as find information about community services or simply for a friendly phone call and light conversation.

Sign up using this form on the MPL website or by emailing smann@markham.library.on.ca 

If you would prefer to register by phone, please call Harman Singh Malhi at 416-294-1964.  Please share this with other Members who you think may be interested.

“Walk” through some of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions like the Museum of Natural History, then go for a “ride” on Disney’s new Frozen rollercoaster.  Tour the beauty of nature in National Parks and watch live footage of Pandas playing at the Zoo.

See a list of Museums, Zoos, National Parks and Theme Parks offering Virtual Tours.

Spring is here and many of us are itching to get growing.

The good news is, starting today garden centres will be open for curb-side pickup.  Plants and seeds are also available at select grocery stores, WalMart and through on-line retailers.

The Toronto Master Gardeners website offers a wealth of resources including a guide on Balcony & Container Gardening.

Many gardening videos can be found on YouTube including 8 Vegetables and Herbs You Can Re grow Again and Again Inside your House or Garden.

Here are some suggested garden tools to make everything easier.

Read some interesting articles published in Psychology Today including Why Gardening is so Good for our Mental Health and 10 Mental Health Benefits of Gardening.

Happy Growing!

Understandably, many people may be feeling anxious, unsure and even scared at this time.  These are normal and healthy responses to unexpected or stressful situations. Disruption to regular daily routines and distancing from family and friends is hard and many are struggling as a result.  In times like these, it’s ok to not feel ok.

Tips

• Take deep breaths. Simple breathing exercises can help ease stress.  Try breathing in deeply, counting to three, hold for a count of three, and then slowly breathe out, counting to three.
• Have a routine.  Structure your day and maintain positive habits, including healthy eating.
• Let in the sun.  Open windows.  Sunlight can improve your mood.
• Exercise, dance and have fun.  Blow off steam and boost endorphins.  Try something new.
• Call or virtually connect with loved ones.  Lean on each other for support.  ‘Social distancing’ is a Misnomer (Globe & Mail article)
• Stay informed.  Check credible sources of information for updates but take breaks when needed.  Taking in the news all day can be draining.  Unplug for a bit and recharge – listen to music, meditate, journal, read or listen to a podcast instead.
• Look for the positives.  Share inspirational stories of people helping one another.
• Engage your brain.  Do a word search, Sudoku, jigsaw or crossword puzzle.
• Help others.  Volunteer to pick up groceries or walk the dog for a neighbour who is self-isolating.  Helping someone else can make you feel good.
• Remember, this is only a temporary situation.
• Seek help.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out.  Community help is available.

THE CANADIAN COALITION FOR SENIORS’ MENTAL HEALTH offers some great suggestions on “Activities to do while Physical Distancing”  Give one a try today! 🙂

Do you miss your regular TSC Wellness class or would you like to try something new from home?  Click on the images below for YouTube videos previously recorded by the popular Wellness group.  Many more can be found here.

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The Government of Ontario is partnering with SPARK Ontario to help seniors and the most vulnerable stay connected and healthy as they self isolate during the COVID-19 outbreak.

SPARK Ontario is the province’s first volunteer hub designed to direct volunteers to where they are needed most.  Groups across the province are looking for volunteers to help deliver food or medicines, run errands or check-up on seniors and the most vulnerable by phone or email while they self-isolate.

Ontarians interested in volunteering are encouraged to check the website www.sparkontario.ca for opportunities to make a difference where they live.

Seniors, people with disabilities, and others in need of assistance can also be connected to essential services in their community at any time by visiting www.211ontario.ca or by dialing 211 or 1-877-330-3212 (toll free).