1. Hug the one you're with
In the age of COVID, hugging can be a death sentence. Yet research shows hugging is important to mental health. It not only makes people feel happy, but a hug can also reduce stress, change negative moods, boost hormones, and help the body and brain. Studies show hugs are what people are missing the most. That's why an elder care home in France created a "hug bubble" and facilities in Washington and Virginia Beach have done the same. January 21 is National Hugging Day. If you've got your own "pod" of people you can safely hug, throw your arms around each other. It's good for you.
2. Official transition (whew!) of power
Wednesday, January 20 is the inauguration of Joe Biden as President of the United States. Head to the website for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies to find historical insight, event information, and a live feed of the ceremonies.
3. Motivation by Martin
As we commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 18, there are still things we can do every day to learn from his wisdom. Here are 5 life lessons as well as local opportunities allowing you to take action and help your community.
4. Suicide prevention hotline
While deaths from COVID-19 have loomed large in the headlines, suicides actually outpaced virus fatalities in some locations. Dozens of cruise employees took their own lives, suicidal behavior in youths is higher, and rates have increased in the Black community. If you or a loved one need help, someone at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7.
5. Share like Cher
Back in December, music icon Cher helped save Kaavan, the world's loneliest elephant, after decades alone in captivity at an Islamabad zoo. You can make a giant impact right here in the U.S.: The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee provides refuge for elephants that were once in zoos and circuses. Financial assistance from donors helps feed and care for these creatures. See for yourself on the EleCam.
6. Mom and Popcorn
Small businesses that rely heavily on foot traffic and impulse buying have been hit hard by COVID. In celebration of National Popcorn Day on January 19, why not help out an independent gourmet popcorn shop by ordering online and getting it delivered to your door? Here are 5 shops worth your dollar: Cornology, San Francisco, CA; Coastal Maine Popcorn Shop, Boothbay Harbor, ME; Garret Popcorn Shops, Chicago, IL; Uncle Bob's Popcorn, Tuscon, AZ; and Johnson's Popcorn, Ocean City, NJ.
7. Essential art
The importance of art in our lives should not be underestimated: "Art nurtures the spirit and calms the mind.” While most museums across the globe shut their doors (some temporarily, some for good) in 2020, here are 2,500 world-class museums and galleries providing virtual tours and online collections.
