THE POWER OF COMMUNITY & SELFCARE

Liberty Village – during this time of uncertainty we encourage everyone in our community to take the time to take care of each other, be mindful, and provide support where you can.

Please take a moment to check on your loved ones, neighbours, and yourself. We encourage you to offer to share your resources where you can, pick up essential items for friends and family, reach out via Facebook groups if you need help, and show compassion towards one another.

We encourage you to stay informed, however, overexposure to the media can cause anxiety and excessive worry. Keep yourself both physically and mentally healthy, take time to reflect, relax and most importantly take a break from social media and the news.

Take this time to get your spring cleaning started, create a clean calming environment within your home and to start new health habits and maintain the ones you already practice!

• Eat foods rich in nutrients and that help boost your immune system, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Consider taking supplements that promote good health to help strengthen your immune system.
• Stay hydrated, drinking lots of water can help alleviate headaches, boost your mood and brain performance.
• Go outside, take in some natural Vitamin D and fresh air, this is both good for your mental and physical health. Take a walk down by the lakeshore, around the block, or explore a new hiking trail away from people and dense centers
• Sleep plays a key part in maintaining a healthy immune system, try to get 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Keep yourself busy while you self-isolate, read that book you’ve been meaning to read, do a puzzle, dust off your colouring books, watch an uplifting movie.
• Keep moving! Create home workout routines using all the resources we have available to us on YouTube, via blogs, live streaming, etc. Create some healthy competition among friends to keep each other motivated.

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

During this time of uncertainty, the local economy will be weighed down by the impact of COVID-19. The Impacts on small businesses and independants can be particularly heavier as we practice social distancing. Here are some ways that you can help small businesses get through this!

Infographic via @commondeer on Instagram

VIRTUALIZE SOCIAL INTERACTION WHILE PHYSICALLY ISOLATED

If you are having to work at home or are self-isolated, or even just home with the kids during the extended break, you can still have productive connections and meetings with others.

Here are Some Tips on How to Effectively Work From Home & Become More Virtually Connected:

• Zoom is a great tool for video conferencing, it’s free to use for 1 on 1 meetings and groups meeting that are 40 minutes or less, it is also perfect for screen sharing
• Google suite is a good tool for real-time collaboration – Google docs allow for real-time editing and Google hangouts for conference calls
• WhatsApp or Facebook messenger for a quick and simple way to navigate group chats to streamline conversations with your teams
• Slack is a great tool to use for a little bit of everything – chat, video calls, sharing documents. It also allows you to create channels for different conversations (i.e. Funny Memes, meeting notes, etc.)
• Noise cancelling earphones – these are especially useful for those of you sharing your space with a roommate or spouse
• Create an imaginary coworker, so you and your roommates or spouse have someone to blame when the coffee gets low or there are glasses in the sink (#lol)
• Spend some time arranging your work area so it’s inviting, and works best for your workstyle
• Get dressed! Even if you are changing from the sweatpants you slept in, to your “day” sweatpants – try to keep a regular morning routine
• Join a virtual mid-day yoga class, workout class, or go for a walk
• Take a break to eat your lunch – if your kitchen table is also your desk, close your laptop and eat a good meal

HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

If you are unsure if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 take care of yourself and utilize the systems, the Ontario Government has put in place:

Use the Ministry of Health’s self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek care. CLICK HERE

Telehealth Ontario

Call if you develop symptoms.
Telephone: 1-866-797-0000

Toronto Public Health Hotline

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Telephone: 416-338-7600
• TTY: 416-392-0658
• Email: PublicHealth@toronto.ca

311 Toronto

• Outside City limits: 416-392-2489
• Call if you have questions about City services.
• Telephone: 311
• TTY: 416-338-0889
• Email: 311@toronto.ca

Additional Resources:

• Liberty Village Business Directory | Local Business Listings
• Public Health Ontario | Covid-19 Public Resources
• Canada.ca | Resources, Information, & Printable Downloads
• Canada.ca | Being Prepared – Communities, Workplaces, Individuals
• City of Toronto | Affected Public Services
• Canada.ca | Public Health Measures (PHM) Including Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions that can be used to Reduce and Delay Community Transmission of the Novel Coronavirus that Causes COVID-19
• City of Toronto | Health Advice

From all of us at the LVBIA, please remember to take time to disconnect from the news and social media, and continue to take care of yourself, loved ones, and your neighbours.