Stay Healthy!

First and foremost, be safe and stay healthy by practicing good hygiene and social distancing, and by following guidance from credible sources like the CDC, WHO, and local health officials! Here are some quick resources on how to do your part:

• 6 Tips to Stay Healthy
• Recognize Symptoms
• Know and Share the Facts
• Germ Awareness
• Wash Your Hands

Click here for more information about navigating through COVID-19.

Practice Self Care

During this unfamiliar – and confusing! – time, it’s more important than ever to feel connected and safe. But, given our country’s warning to practice social distance and self-isolation, it’s hard for many people to feel like they have outlets that make them feel comfortable. Best Buddies has been fighting social isolation for over 30 years, and we are here to provide guidance, connections, and friendship – even if it has to be done virtually for now!

As you look through this site for ways to engage with your friends, chapter, and community in a safe way, we want to remind you to take care of yourself! Your well being and good health is what makes you a good friend – and we all need a good friend during this time. Best Buddies wants you to know that there are lots of people that care about here, and we are here to help however we can!

Here are a few quick tips to follow on ways to care for yourself:

• Breathe! Inhale through your nose like you are smelling a flower, and exhale through your mouth like you are blowing out a candle.
• Color: Take time to be creative and let your mind wander.
• Journal: write down your feelings or just your daydreams.
• Take time for yourself. Take breaks, eat the food that makes you feel good, get rest when you can, and move your body. Pick up your old hobbies or try something new you’ve been curious about for a while. You need to prioritize time for yourself during this time!
• Connect with others. Join the Best Buddies’ calls and video chats, or reach out to a friend on social media or through texts. Make a connection that helps you feel seen and reminds you that you belong!
• Stay informed. Read articles and watch the news to understand what is going on, but take breaks from too much exposure. You want to have information on what is happening, but not wondering ‘what if’ day in and day out. Find a balance that doesn’t consume you.