By Melissa Davies, Wise Ways Consulting
Welcome to Spooky Season, where warm apple cider and pumpkin spice flow freely. Thoughts of Halloween treats and fall hayrides were once highlights of the month. Spooky season this year is downright frightening with COVID still rampaging the state, and our national conversation over the election bringing out the worst in many people.
One of the reasons Prince William is great place to live and work is our sense of community. With that in mind, here are my top tips to make spooky season less spooky.
- Don’t put off seeing your doctor and dentist and routine medical screenings. COVID has caused many people to cancel or postpone medical visits. With the calendar quickly running out, don’t waste your 2020 medical benefits.
- Get a flu shot! This year the shot is more important than ever. And before you ask, yes, I’ve had mine!
- Vote. You can vote in Prince William prior to the November election. Learn more here.
- Start organizing your 2020 taxes. This is especially important if you are receiving, or have received, unemployment benefits. Make sure you take advantage of any deductions and avoid surprises.
- Pick a pumpkin. While the traditional trick or treat season may be different this year, you can still decorate and support our local farms yankeyfarms.com
- Enjoy a meal outside while the weather is beautiful. Many local establishments, including restaurants, wineries, and breweries, are setting up outdoor heaters and other technology to help customers stay comfortable while enjoying their food. Several also have things for your little ones to do while you’re sharing company with friends and possibly partaking in an adult beverage.
- Remember your neighbors. Lingering unemployment and COVID concerns are causing food scarcity. Donate to our local foodbanks if you can and check in on your neighbors.
Colder weather will soon call many people inside. Enjoy the weather as long as you can. Enjoy the season and make it as fun and healthy for you and your family as possible.
Melissa Davies is an executive leadership coach and facilitator as well as the author of How Not to Act Like a BLEEP at Work. She resides in Prince William County and runs Wise Ways Consulting, which specializes in leadership, management and team development, executive coaching, group facilitation and high-engagement training. She can be reached at info@wisewaysconsulting.com or through wisewaysconsulting.com
