21 Ways to Help Others During Quarantine

Many people in America have now spent 1-2 weeks in self-quarantine, and residents of other countries have been stuck at home for much longer. It can be challenging to adapt to life in a lockdown situation, including finding ways to work from home, keeping supplies stocked, managing home schooling for kids and staving off cabin fever.

We know there is already a lot to deal with, but we also want to remind each other to reach out and support those who are struggling the most. We were touched to read this message today, which became popular on Twitter:

We are happy to say Jeff received tens of thousands of birthday wishes after this tweet went viral, but it makes us wonder about those who are less able to reach out for emotional support. While some people are naturally comfortable and joyful in solitude, others struggle with the loss of social interaction. Being stuck at home can lead to feelings of helplessness, loneliness and despair, but in our wonderful age of technology there are many ways you can reach out and give others a boost without leaving the house.

How to Help From Home

Here are 21 ways you can help from home, either by supporting charitable causes or by offering a social connection to those who may need it the most. And if you are the one feeling down then these ideas might give you a boost of support, too! Many of these suggestions help you find creative ways to use video chat tools like Facetime, Zoom or Skype:

1. Call, Facetime or Skype Someone

Are there people in your life you think may be lonely, especially elderly friends or relatives? Checking in will brighten their day! Seniors may not be savvy with video streaming technology, but if you can help them figure it out then we guarantee they will appreciate it. If not, then a good old fashioned phone call still goes a long way.

2. Mail a Handwritten Letter or Card to Someone You Love

A handwritten letter has become a rare and valuable gift in our digital age. It shows you value the recipient so much that you'll make an extra effort to connect. If you are not able to leave your house for a trip to the post office then consider sending a free ecard. While an ecard may not be as personal as a handwritten letter, it will still let people know you are thinking of them.

3. Make a Handcrafted Gift and Mail It to a Loved One.

Whether you knit, carve or sketch, a handcrafted gift is always touching.

4. Start a Virtual Book Club

You can still order books online to be delivered to your home. And although libraries are temporarily closing across the nation, many allow their cardholders to download ebooks and audiobooks for free. Check your local library's website to see what they offer. Connect through video chat or conference phone calls to discuss the reading with friends. Here are some tips on how to get started, as well as a list of existing virtual book clubs you can join.

5. Share Public Art From Your Home

You can make your neighbors smile by using your art skills for all to see. Want to keep it simple? Draw chalk art on the driveway or sidewalk in front of your home for passersby to enjoy (from a safe distance).

6. Create and/or Share a Funny or Inspiring Social Media Post

More people than ever are spending time online these days. We know the news can be disheartening, so try sharing something uplifting to your followers. For example, instead of focusing on the worst case scenario predictions that are often used to sell headlines, look for stories of people who are stepping up to make a positive difference during this time.

7. Organize a Balcony Concert

Not everyone lives in an area where this is feasible, but we were inspired by neighborhoods in Italy where residents joined together to make music from their separate balconies. Italy's strict lockdown has been very difficult for many of its citizens, so these impromptu concerts offer much needed stress relief. If you are a musician and live within hearing range of other music lovers then consider sharing your art!

8. Offer to Get Groceries or Essential Supplies for People Who Cannot Leave Their Homes

If you have an elderly neighbor who is having difficulty shopping then this can be a game changer for them. We encourage you to exercise caution and respect recommendations for social distancing. Many stores are now taking orders online or over the phone and allowing you to pickup without entering the building. You may also need to leave your delivery on your friends' doorsteps and allow them to bring the goods inside after you leave.

9. Host a Virtual Game Night With Friends

Video game enthusiasts have been connecting and playing with friends online for years, but you don't need digital games to do this. Many popular party games can be played with groups over video chats. Some examples: charades, Outburst, Scattergories, Balderdash, Pictionary, Taboo or trivia questions. This is a great way to stay social with friends, and you can also reach out to new people to build connections. Try advertising your virtual game nights on social media to find potential new friends who may be in need of socializing.

10. Start a Recipe Chain

Encourage your friends and loved ones to each share one of their favorite recipes to an email group, then have a bake-off! You can also video chat from the kitchen to share your cooking experience.

11. Share a Workout With a Friend Over a Video Call

If you find you are more inspired to exercise with a workout buddy then you are not alone. Many people struggle to find the motivation to exercise on their own. If you don't already have a workout buddy then there is probably someone out there who would also appreciate some motivation. Connect with a friend to watch an online exercise video together from your own homes, and keep a video chat or speakerphone on so you can encourage each other and share jokes while you work out.

You can find plenty of free workout videos on Youtube. Also, our favorite biomechanist Katy Bowman just posted an hour-long movement class on her website for free viewing or download until the end of June.

12. Make Future Post-Quarantine Plans

Although the full length of quarantine may be uncertain, making plans for future get-togethers can be a boost for your loved ones. Not only does it show you care, but it also gives them (and you) something to look forward to in dark times.

13. Read Books Aloud to Little Ones Live Over Video Chat

Are you part of a parenting group, or do you know children who appreciate a good story? Set up a video chat with a picture book so you can show illustrations, too. Many parents are missing their library's reading hours for small children, so if you can organize an open virtual group reading and advertise it on social media then you may find a lot of eager young listeners.

Here's one of our favorites... The Foot Book!

14. Donate Your Extra Supplies

This is a a time of need for many people, especially those who found store shelves empty after they were cleared out by panic buyers. If you have an excess of goods, like toilet paper, then consider donating them to those who are lacking. If you don't know anyone specifically who needs help then consider donating to your local food bank or shelter.

15. Teach New Skills Through an Online Class

New hobbies can improve a person’s outlook and help pass the time. If you have special skills you can share then consider teaching these skills to others through shared Youtube videos or live video streaming classes. Examples would be knitting, yoga, woodworking, origami, home repair, computer programming, dog training… whatever you’re good at!

16. Join an Online Language Learning Group

Did you know there are online video chat groups where you can practice a new language with native speakers and other learners? Not only will you develop new skills, you will also make new friends and build connections with an international community. Click here to learn more.

17. Set up Your Own Virtual Mystery Science Theater 3000

If you haven’t seen the show, it’s basically a group of friends watching really bad science fiction movies and making jokes about what they see while it plays. You can coordinate with friends to start a movie at the same time while you talk about it over a video chat or group phone call. It could be a fun way to bring a smile to people who may be struggling to stay positive.

18. Make Medical Masks at Home to Donate to Local Hospitals

There is a shortage of face masks in the medical community and that puts our doctors and nurses at risk. We transformed a portion of our shoemaking workshop into a medical mask making workshop and are donating our new masks to local hospitals and healthcare workers. If you have a sewing machine at home then you can do this, too!

19. When Ordering Goods Online, Try to Buy From Small Businesses

The full economic toll of our current quarantine efforts remains to be seen, but some small businesses will be hit hardest. When you spend money with a small business you are supporting the business owners and employees directly, and ordering from a local business benefits your town by keeping money circulating in your local economy.

20. Draw Attention to Good Causes

Even if you can’t leave the house, you can still help by raising awareness. Use your social media clout and friend network to share posts about charitable organizations and efforts to help others in need.

21. Share Articles With Others to Spread the Word About How They Can Help

Like this one!

Do you have any more suggestions for how to help others while self-quarantining? Please share them in the comments below.

Elf Martin

Martin is a lifelong runner who began wearing minimalist shoes over 10 years ago when he found they alleviated his chronic foot pain, which eventually disappeared completely. He further studied proper running form through a series of workshops taught by Correct Toes inventor, Dr. Ray McClanahan DPM. Martin has collaborated with several health care professionals to collect and share peer-reviewed studies that show the benefits of minimalist footwear. In his personal life, Martin loves living in the Pacific Northwest because it allows him to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities year-round, including hiking, cycling, rock climbing, surfing and snowboarding.