On The + Side: Blankets, Zodiac Signs and Meerkats

Welcome back to On The + Side, your weekly dose of all things uplifting. With July zooming by, we are still facing difficult times amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are proud to share the stories that inspire us and other tips for getting through these challenges.

Positive Focus

Even during a pandemic, the world can still be a beautiful place. Read below for the latest stories that have made us smile!

• Did you know that August is Happiness Happens Month? Happiness Happens Month was founded by the Secret Society of Happy People (yes, it’s a real thing!) to create a safe space for people to share their happy moments. With August just around the corner, you can learn more about the history of this movement here.
• The Orange County Library has relaunched its Local Wanderer program, which allows Central Floridians to enjoy some attractions for free. The program is available in a limited capacity this year, with free admission to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Orange County Regional History Center and Mennello Museum of Art.
• One 11-year-old girl has made more than 500 blankets for children in need all over the world! Read more of her inspiring story and how she has been making a difference.
• The LA Zoo recently welcomed four meerkat pups! Click for an instant cuteness overload.
• In case you missed it, Addition Financial recently became the platinum sponsor for CareerSource Central Florida’s Summer Youth Program. The credit union is excited to support this initiative, which helps students develop their career readiness skills and other important habits.

Wellness Boosts

How are you staying healthy in quarantine? We share our tips to keep both your mental and physical health in tip-top shape.

• It can be hard to find joy in difficult times. Check out this article that shares some ways to preserve our mental health during a pandemic.
• What’s your sign? Whether you’re into all things astrology or simply looking to incorporate new routines into your life, Allure shares tips for how each Zodiac sign can successfully form new habits.
• For those looking to spend more time outdoors this summer, here are three of Florida’s best bike paths to help you explore nature while getting some exercise.

For the most up-to-date guidelines on taking care of yourself during this global pandemic, visit the CDC’s website.

Additional Resources

From culinary adventures to fun livestreams, On The + Side will keep you entertained while sheltering at home. Check out the latest resources we’ve rounded up for you to enjoy while staying safe.

• In need of another adorable animal fix? The Houston Zoo has livestreams of its giraffe feeding platform, which are absolutely worth watching.
• Although we may be spending the bulk of our time at home, we can still find ways to add some luxury to our lives! Check out these fun ideas for ways to upgrade a small bathroom into something a little more spa-worthy.
• For our readers in Seminole County, check out the new COVID-responsible business listing site to see which local businesses are taking action to prevent the spread of the virus.
• As we experiment in the kitchen, Pinterest is often a handy go-to resource for many. Lucky for us, several famous chefs will be bringing their recipes straight to Pinterest while giving back to restaurants in need.
• On our latest episode of the Making It Count podcast, we give listeners the inside scoop on what they should know before purchasing their next car. Click for links to our episode on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to hit “subscribe!”

We’ll be back next week with more positive stories and resources to make this time a little easier for everyone. To get notifications when we post a new issue, subscribe to On The + Side.

For the latest COVID-19 updates from Addition Financial, please visit our response page.