Feeling lonely on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day can bring up a variety of emotions depending on where you are in your life. While it can bring up feelings of joy and love for some, it may be a lonely day for others. However, loneliness is not an emotion that is experienced exclusively on Valentine’s Day, rather it is a greater emotion that is felt by some year-round. Fortunately, there are many ways that we can work to reduce the loneliness we may be experiencing. Here are some tips and resources from Hello4Health™:
- Try reducing loneliness by volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community and develop new connections with those you are engaging with. This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday, it would be a great opportunity to try volunteering somewhere new! Here are a few volunteering ideas that you can do on Valentine’s Day:
- Send an e-card to children at your local hospital, click here to Send a Greeting Card.
- Pack winter warmth kits with a Valentine’s Card for people experiencing homelessness in your local area.
- Donate children’s books to a local family shelter
- Valentine’s Day is not just for romantic relationships, but also for spending time with family and friends. Try getting together and connecting through sharing photos and stories as a fun activity.
- Try these lifelong activities and/or join engagement groups, which can help aid in building lasting connections with peers around you.
Highlighting Black History Month
February is Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring Black history and celebrating Black culture by recognizing the many achievements and contributions Black people have had across the U.S. Additionally, this month helps recognize the struggles faced by the Black community both historically and presently. Here are some ways you can celebrate and honor this Black History Month and beyond:
- Support Black-owned businesses and restaurants. Here is a link to locate Minnesota Black-Owned Businesses.
- Educate yourself on the history of American slavery by listening to ‘1619,’ a Podcast From The New York Times. This podcast highlights the links between slavery, economics, and the obstacles that Black people have faced and continue to experience when attempting to access healthcare and landownership rights.
- Donate to Black organizations and charities. Here is a list of non-profit organizations that are working to advance Black rights and support Black youth:
Mental well-being resources for all ages
Did you know Allina Health has mental well-being resources for people of all ages? You’re probably most familiar with Hello4Health, which focuses on social connections for adults, but Allina has two other mental well-being programs we encourage you to check out!
Health Powered Kids focuses on youth, ages 3-14, with lesson plans to help kids Be Active, Keep Clean, Find Balance and Eat Well. Examples of their well-being resources include:
- What We Can Do to Stress Less
- Learning Mindfulness Through Movement
- Self-Esteem and Body Image Activities for Kids
Change to Chill focuses on youth, ages 13-19, with resources to help teens become more aware of what stress is, what causes it and how to manage it. Examples of their well-being resources include: