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0 As the Lydia’s House community rejoices in springtime weather with walks to Ameristop for ice cream and plans for a backyard grill out, we also have celebrated the conclusion of Winter Wellness BINGO. Winter Wellness BINGO was created as winter grey days and holidays, often a trigger for painful memories, loomed ahead. Each guest and staff member was given a BINGO card with various activities to complete over the winter months. This activity gave a language and a framework for having regular conversations about practicing coping skills, building positive relationships, and engaging in healthy leisure activities. Staff of Lydia’s House invited guests to join along on BINGO activity outings and encouraged guests to complete activities when complaining of being bored or frustration, as well as pointed out and celebrated practices already in place that support wellness. Individuals submitted selfies as proof of their completion of tasks and received extra tokens for our weekly/monthly incentive drawings.
Try a new fruit/vegetable 
Clean your room 
Make a dessert to share with others 
Play a board game 
Take a walk on a cold day 
Make a Meal for Others
Winners of Winter Wellness BINGO completed all 24 activities and included a Lydia’s House guest, as well as Sam and Annie. Winners were taken out to lunch at a restaurant of their choosing over which their favorite squares were discussed. Individuals shared about the positive response of doing nice things for others and the pleasure that comes from getting to know new people.
All in all, Winter Wellness BINGO left us all better equipped to weather the winter doldrums and helped us practice positive behaviors that we can continue to do, even as the weather warms.
