On The + Side: Snail Mail, Outdoor Art and Haunted Roads

Welcome back to On The + Side, where we bring you our favorite stories, life hacks and other resources to get you through challenging times. Up this week: we share some exciting social distancing adventures that will allow you to safely get out of the house, along with podcast recommendations, academic resources and so much more.

Positive Focus

Let’s face it: in 2020, we can always use another reason to smile. Check out some of our favorite positive news stories to start off your week.

• One Culinary Instructor at Valencia College was named the nation’s top chef educator in a particularly challenging year. Learn more about her accomplishment and journey.
• The City of Orlando has launched its learning pod program for this school year, giving students a chance to learn in smaller groups with access to Wi-Fi and other necessities. The program is just $5 per day.
• The spookiest time of the year is right around the corner! To celebrate Halloween in a safe and socially distanced way, you can visit a drive-through attraction called The Haunted Road for a scary and contactless experience. Tickets are now available and you can visit on select nights from September 25 through November 7.

Wellness Boosts

From social connection to nourishing foods, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite wellness tips to keep you happy and healthy.

• Staying connected in a time of isolation is especially important these days. One great way to safely connect with others is to send some snail mail! Write a letter to a friend or family member whose mailbox could use the extra love.
• We don’t normally include “healthy” and “brownies” in the same sentence, but this recipe from Joyful Goodness is packed with nutrients and flavor!
• This time of uncertainty can be especially difficult for children. Check out these creative tools for helping kids deal with their anxiety.

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

Additional Resources

Whether you’re seeking some extra financial knowledge or simply looking for something fun to do on the weekend, check out our latest resources.

• In the market for a new car? We’ll teach you everything you need to know about driving off with a deal in our free webinar this Wednesday, August 26. Click here to register and learn more.
• A great way to be financially successful is to be financially organized! We shared our tips with Corporate Health Fairs Florida on how to make money management a little less overwhelming.
• Looking for creative social distancing activities you can do outside of the home? Snap! Orlando has launched the CITY UNSEEN project, with 10 augmented reality art installations throughout the city. Download the free CITY UNSEEEN app for a map of these art installations, and use the camera in the app to help bring these works to life!
• In need of a little podcast inspiration? Happier with Gretchen Rubin explores ways to make your life happier, form new habits and add little boosts to your day. Gretchen is the author of The Happiness Project and other books on habit change and productivity, and she releases new episodes every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts.

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.