New Opportunities has suggestions
COVID-19 has brought on some challenging times! Children across the state were very happy when the governor required schools to close for a time! Now most of those children may be ready to return to school in their normal “brick and mortar” buildings! As we are cooped up in our homes, the days can get long and drawn out! It is especially hard to stay cooped up in a society that is typically by nature always on the go.
New Opportunities Prevention Department encourages communities and individuals to promote healthy alternative activities during this trying time. Alternative activities promote skills or knowledge that might cause participants to refrain from future alcohol and drug use. They occupy free time that may otherwise be idle or unstructured. Typically, alternative activities can provide meaningful involvement in the community. During this unusual time of quarantine when we are required to practice social distancing alternative activities begin to look a bit different.
New Opportunities prevention consultants applaud the creativity in the surrounding communities in coming together to providing innovative activities for not just children and families, but all individuals.
Here are some things we have noticed and encourage you to try: Create an obstacle course with sidewalk chalk throughout the neighborhood; community bear hunts; social media opportunities such as dance challenges; free workouts; online church services; nursing home messages; create an escape room; go for a car ride (but stay in your car); create a scavenger hunt list to find various things while out on your drive; yard work; clean out the garage and/or closets; organize for a future garage sale or gather things that can be donated; try a new recipe; arts and crafts projects; work on 4-H projects; create a YouTube video; brush up on math and reading skills; listen to an audio book; have an at home spa day; give your pet a home spa day; learn a new hobby or skill; plan a 30 day challenge; create a family newspaper or message board; take up photography; play cards or board games.
New Opportunities applauds your creativity during this trying time! What alternative activities have you been doing?
New Opportunities Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Departments offer information, education, and consultation services to schools, businesses, and community based groups, many of which are free of charge. Persons who are interested in learning more on this or other substance abuse topics, please contact Nancy Rowedder, Prevention Consultant, at nrowedder@newopp.org or call 712-792-9266.
