Stay Home, Stay Healthy - but Stay Sane?

The article addresses the challenges faced by residents of Washington following Governor Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order, which restricts social gatherings to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the mental and physical toll of social distancing and provides practical recommendations for maintaining sanity during this time. Key suggestions include supporting local businesses through takeout and gift cards, as well as making donations to non-profit organizations that are struggling due to the pandemic. The article encourages readers to give blood, highlighting the heightened need for donors to support overwhelmed healthcare systems. For mental health, it advocates taking breaks from constant news consumption by accessing free online offerings from libraries and listening to audiobooks. Furthermore, the article encourages creativity by promoting virtual experiences from local museums and arts organizations. It calls for community engagement and adherence to health guidelines to collectively navigate these challenging times. Overall, it presents a comprehensive guide to staying connected, active, and mentally healthy during the pandemic.