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Navigating Challenging Times with Kindness

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By Jessica Blotter  •  Posted on Mar 16, 2020

                    To Our Friends Around The World

On behalf of Kind Traveler, we are thinking of you during this challenging time that will soon pass.

We’re taking this time to reflect on the importance of global health and wellness and the gratitude we have for your support on the Kind Traveler journey in creating a new way of traveling and living – a way that considers the health and wellbeing of local communities, the environment, and animals.

While we believe in the power of travel to open hearts, change lives, positively impact local communities, and bring great joy, as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic, we encourage our community to practice the guidelines set forth by World Health Organization (WHO):

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Maintain social distancing
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
  • Practice respiratory hygiene (covering your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or tissue when you sneeze or cough)
  • If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
  • Avoid handshaking

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

While many businesses are temporarily closed, there are still many ways to support your local community in this time where support is needed and appreciated, especially for small, local businesses who rely on consumer dollars to survive:

  • Shop online with local boutiques
  • Consider purchasing gift cards or gift certificates with hotels, spas, restaurants, and shops for future use
  • Order take-out or delivery with your favorite local restaurants

GIVE LOVE TO LOCAL CHARITIES

  • Donate to local food banks: with many schools closed, students who rely on school for their nutrition, may be at a loss.
  • Consider donating blood to American Red Cross: with corporate blood drives cancelled, the flow of blood has become limited. American Red Cross is urging individuals to donate blood as soon as possible.
  • Donate online to local nonprofits that rely on foot traffic for donations (think wildlife rescues & arts organizations)
  • Consider fostering a dog or cat from a local animal shelter. With more volunteers staying home, there is an increased need for fosters to help take care of homeless pets.

SHOW KINDNESS TO NEIGHBORS

  • Check in with elderly neighbors to ensure their pantries are stocked or if they need any errands taken care of

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Be sure to consider the wellbeing of your physical and mental health during this time. We encourage practicing yoga and meditation as a way to encourage a positive mindset, reduce stress and cultivate gratitude.

Related: 5 Global Wellness Experts Share Self-Care Tips for Uncertain Times

  • Check-out yogadownload.com for hundreds of online yoga and meditation classes to practice in the comfort of your own home – many of which are free
  • Eat foods that boost your immune system (fresh fruits and veggies if you have access to them). We love the Glowing Green Smoothie by celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder.
  • Spend time in nature: go on a hike (as long as social distancing is practiced; avoid all and any crowds)
  • Practice positive affirmations. Here are 72 Positive Affirmations for Anxiety and Depression from the Positive Affirmations Center.

 

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