Heart Touch Survival Guide

The unfolding coronavirus pandemic has become a major part of all of our lives. We are a part of an historical event, and the effects are not only immediate, but will resonate through our society for many years to come. We face an uncertain future, but we face it together.

Socially, we're required to isolate right now, but humans are wired for social contact. Our nervous systems need each other for co-regulation. Anxiety and negativity can escalate when we are isolated, in part because we are not able to regulate with the help of others.

Heart Touch has created a “Survival Guide” to help you stay connected and combat isolation while staying safely at home. Let's get through this together!

Self-Care Resources

Last update: 9/16/20

Informative Articles & Infographics:

Free Educational Programs:

Entertainment:

Virtual Museum Tours
Live cams: San Diego Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, or cute puppies
30 Virtual Field Trips to Locations Around the World
National Theatre Live
- Broadcasting a play on its YouTube channel every Thursday at 11am PST
Kanopy Streaming Service (must have a public library card or a university login)
- More than 30,000 documentaries, classic and indie films available for streaming
The Metropolitan Opera Nightly Streamings of Opera

Fitness:

Live Yoga Class via Zoom Every Wednesday at 3pm
- Suggested donation of $10
- Venmo: @Michele-Kackovic
Live & Recorded Pilates Classes Offered by Heart Touch Volunteer, Kathryn Peters.
- Date & time coming soon
Fitness studios Live-stream Workout Classes for Free

Heart Touch Recommended Podcasts:

Unlocking Us with Brene Brown
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
TedTalks
10% Happier with Dan Harris
- How to Handle Coronavirus Anxiety | Special Edition
- Parenting in a Pandemic | Susan Kaiser Greenland
- How to Actually Get Work Done at Home | Ramus Hougaard & Jacqueline Carter
- Ten Percent Happier LIVE - a free live sanity break, featuring host, Dan Harris, and some of the world's best meditation teachers. This community conversation takes place at 12 pm PST every weekday.

Heart Touch Approved Meditation Apps

Calm
Headspace
- Free programs in the app's "Weathering the Storm" collection.
Insight Timer
Smiling Mind
Stop, Breathe & Think
Oprah & Deepak 21-Day Meditation Experience on Finding Hope in Uncertain Times
Center for Mindful Self-Compassion

Guided Meditations

Take some time for yourself to foster presence in the present moment. Here are some guided meditations led by our Heart Touch facilitating team.

Heart Touch Support Groups

Last update: 9/16/20

Does this pandemic have you feeling anxious, stressed, and worried about the future? Welcome to the club...literally! Below we have links to scheduled online groups and cafes to explore the difficulties, triumphs, and to-do lists that we’re all facing right now.

Caregiver & Families Support Group
- Led by Joel Polacheck - Psychotherapist, LMFT
- Recurs Wednesdays (starting May 6th) at 3:00 pm
- For more information and to register, click here

Self- Care / We-care Support Group
- Led by Keri Frankenstein - Wellness Coach, CMT, and Photographer
- Recurs every other Tuesday (starting May 5th) at 2:00 pm
- For more information and to register, click here

Online Death Cafe
- Led by Dr. Mario Milch - MD, Rose Wolf - RN, and Ashley Schmitz - RN
- Check back for meeting date/time

Activities for Children

(and the Young at Heart)

Last update: 4/25/20

Virtual Story Hour

Patricia Berberich reads Stone Soup, written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth.

Downloadable Coloring Books & Mandalas

Are you working from home and need something to entertain your little ones? Or to take your own mind off of things? Enjoy these free coloring books downloads suitable for all ages!