Our Favorite things during Social Isolation

We are going through very different and strange times.  It seems it is getting harder for people to socially isolate and there is a growing need to get back to normal activities.  Stores, parks and golf courses are opening and people are excited to experience things that they took for granted months ago.  But the medical professionals, politicians and media are telling us that this is far from over.  Mentally we are still learning to cope and handle the stress that comes from recent events.  I asked some of my friends and mentors to give me a list of favorite things that are keeping them sane, making them feel joyful and helping them cope with isolation.  

I asked for inspirational resources, helpful podcasts, favorite books and routines that are keeping them grounded and here are the results along with my own recommendations:  

Comforting Routines or Activities:   gardening, walking, bike riding, having a set routine, spending time with family, virtual visits with relatives and friends,  yoga, cooking and baking,  eating healthy, being in nature, making a daily gratitude list.  

Inspirational Movies -  Wonder with Julia Roberts, Into the Wild with Emile Hirsch, The Shawshank Redemption with Tom Hanks, Pay it Forward with Helen Hunt.  

Favorite Documentaries - What the Bleep Do We Know? (2004), The Shift by Wayne Dyer (on YouTube), Shark Water by Rob Stewart. 

Spiritual or Self Help Books: 
Excuse You, Your life is Waiting by Lynn Grabhorn
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz 
The Gift of Inspiration by Brene Brown 
Thank and Grow Rich by Pam Grout 
Happier than God - Neal Donald Walsch 
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Favorite Novels that Make us Forget our Troubles:
Mrs. Mike by Nancy Freedman 
Evening Class by Maeve Binchy  
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (historical fiction during war)
The Paris Orphan by Natasha Lester (historical fiction during war)
Death Series by  JD Robb 
Troubleshooters Series by Suzanne Brockman 
Charlotte’s Web - E. B. White 

Best Podcasts:
Oprah's Super Soul Sunday 
The Doctor’s Pharmacy with Mark Hyman, MD.  
The Joe Rogan  Experience 
The Ikonns - Alex and Mimi Ikonn
On Purpose with Jay Shetty 
Goop - Gwyneth Paltrow 
Dax Shepard - a mix of celebrity interviews and experts from many fields. 
Next Question with Katie Couric 

Happy/Inspirational Music:
Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
Happiness by Ken Dodd
Happy by Pharrell Williams 
Lean on Me by Bill Withers
Alive by Kenney Chesney and Dave Matthews 
Girl by Marren Morris
It Ain’t my Fault by Brothers Osborne
24K Magic by Bruno Mars 

Favourite Relaxing Music - Jesse Cook, Toronto guitarist, Deva Premal, Krishna Das, 
                                            Gentle Ocean Waves 

Activities that give you comfort right now:  Gardening,  Family Dinners, Yoga, Being Outside, Making a Gratitude List, Going for Long Walks
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Apps:  Photomyne ( to make digital photo books). Spotify, Netflix, Zoom, Calm or Sam Harris (Waking Up App)
     
Websites or People to Follow:   Susanne Jakubowski, MindValley, Commune, Oprah, Deepak Chopra, Hay House, LauraLizHughes.com, The Joyful Belly
 
I hope this list provides you with some new resources.  It helps to feel like you are learning and growing each day.   I am sure you could add to this list and I would appreciate any suggestions or favorite things that you could send my way.  I will send out a follow-up list with new likes so we can keep sharing our knowledge.   We are on this journey together so let's try to grow spiritually and in doing so change the world.  Please send me an email with your suggestions with my Favorite things as the subject line.  Send to [email protected].