WARSAW – It’s safe to say things are justifiably stressful right now. As the world reacts to the pandemic, people are staying home, quarantining, and social distancing as an effort to stay safe and slow the spread of COVID-19.

This means many people have an abundance of time on our hands. If you’re struggling to figure out how to keep you and your family occupied, you’re not alone. A safe way to keep your family entertained is to visit the Warsaw Community Public Library. The library is doing all we can do maintain the safety of our community.

If you are worried about getting out, we have some fun ideas to assist with staying at home and keeping the family entertained. Dreaming of that vacation? Take a virtual tour or trip. There are many websites that offer these virtual tours. Interest in furry creatures? Watch an animal live stream at home. Some fun activities you could do as a family is learning how to make cool face masks to wear while in public. Play good old-fashioned board games. Have a scavenger hunt. Schedule a dance party every day for 30 minutes.

Have everyone journal about their experiences during the pandemic. Then pick a date in the future to read them. Enjoy one of the virtual storytimes or programs given by WCPL online. Bonding as a family helps reduce stress and gives support to each other. It’s also important to give support and love to our extended family and friends. There are a few things people can do to brighten their day. For instance, use Zoom or facetime to connect with loved ones. Text them regularly. Let them know you care. Drop off care packages full of snacks and fun activities.

But why stop at friends and family? The whole world is feeling stress. What better way to assist with anxiety then sharing compassion, empathy, and love with the community. As a family make a list of acts of kindness and begin doing them in the community. Bake treats and drop them off at your doctor’s office to let them know you appreciate all they’re doing to keep the community safe. Speak a kind word to the retail clerk that waits on you in the store. When on social media spread kindness and optimism, because, at the end of the day, we are all in this together.