In many ways the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our normal both temporarily and permanently. It has forced us to think about our physical wellness. We wash our hands more frequently, avoid close contact with others, cover our mouths and noses with cloth face covers when around others, cover our coughs and sneezes, and disinfect often. However, what are we doing to also assure that we are emotionally well?

Resilience is the term used to describe the set of skills needed to handle difficult situations. Like our physical wellness, there are things we can do to build our resilience capacity. Throughout the month of May the Strengthening our Community committee will be providing strategies and activities to help you build your resilience and balance your emotional wellness.

Here is how you can get involved:

1. The SOC committee is partnering with the Wagner Area Health and Wellness Consortium to host a Wellness Challenge. The challenge is designed to help individuals increase physical activity, improve nutrition, strengthen emotional well-being, and foster community. The bonus of this wellness challenge is that community members will have access to a coach to provide encouragement and connection. Prizes will also be awarded weekly. Contact Ericka Kotab at 605-491-0260 or Jaycie Culbert at 605-505-0661 to register.

2. May 14 is designated as Silly SOC Day. Everyone is encouraged to wear silly socks and post a photo and #sillysocday on social media as a way to bring awareness to mental health. Suicide Prevention socks and silly socks can be purchased at Super Foods and Buche Foods throughout the month of May.

3. Check out the cute graphic t-shirts at Lavender Lane (https:// lavenderlaneboutique605.com). These shirts promote mental wellness and support the SOC committee.

4. Like and follow the SOC Facebook page to follow what our community members are doing to practice positive mental health strategies and find resources in our community.

The SOC committee was developed in June 2018 in a collaborative effort to share expertise, resources, ideas, and passions about how to build relationships, reduce the stigma of mental illness, and create capacity to become a self-healing community. The SOC committee invites you to partake in the Mental Health May activities and watch for weekly strategies to improve you mental and physical health.