1) Stay in touch.<\/span><\/h3>\nHundreds of millions of North Americans have spent most of the year maintaining physical distance from friends and family to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Because of that, loneliness and disconnection have increased, particularly for the most vulnerable among us. Take some time this holiday season<\/a> to participate in video chats, phone calls, text conversations, or even scheduled streaming events with relatives, acquaintances, and colleagues. We may not be able to gather in the same room as those we love, but we can still reach out and talk to them on our laptops, tablets, and phones.<\/p>\n2) Donate money or time to charity.<\/span><\/h3>\nIf your finances are stable, consider helping those who may not be in the same situation. Many charities and non-profits have shifted their fundraising and membership activities online this year. That makes it easier than ever to send donations via text, schedule outreach efforts for flexible hours, and participate in safe ways. Food banks and toy drives are particularly popular this time of year; mutual aid organizations that provide direct support to vulnerable populations in specific communities have also increased in popularity. As always, vet the charity you want to support first by looking for relevant information about how they distribute their money and other resources.<\/p>\n
3) Plan a holiday drive.<\/span><\/h3>\nIn the past, many of us would relish the opportunity to walk through a favorite neighborhood strung with festive lights and holiday decorations. In 2020, the safest way to do that is from your vehicle. Look for local news stories that promote such activities and plot your route using online maps. Bring along hot chocolate or cookies to make the experience extra fun; have your kids wear their favorite holiday pajamas and take pictures they can share with friends and family. Don\u2019t forget to check the weather forecast before you leave the house and drive safely once you do!<\/p>\n
4) Explore a museum or art exhibit.<\/span><\/h3>\nIf you feel like you\u2019re stuck at home with nothing to do, just know that millions of us feel the same way. Cultural institutions have had to shift their offerings to welcome visitors virtually, and we can all benefit from that increased access. Check out online programming at your favorite museum or art gallery. Many offer online tours, digital archives, and even virtual classes. This is a great way to support your local cultural organization, too.<\/p>\n
5) Buy a gift certificate to help local businesses.<\/span><\/h3>\nSpeaking of supporting local, it\u2019s no surprise that thousands of small businesses have suffered this year. If you can, consider buying an online gift certificate now to be used in person when the pandemic ends. That could help a local company make it through these tough economic times while giving you (or a loved one) something to look forward to in 2021.<\/p>\n
6) Clean up your digital photos.<\/span><\/h3>\nMost of us carry a high-powered camera around every day, allowing us to take a staggering number of photos without even thinking twice. The downside is that it\u2019s easy to lose those images on our phones, social media accounts, or cloud-based backups. If you have extra time before the end of the year, devote some of it to organizing those photos. You can arrange them in folders on your desktop computer, back them up to an external hard drive, or even print them out (using easy online ordering) to make an old-fashioned scrapbook.<\/p>\n
7) Organize your desktop.<\/span><\/h3>\nThis connects to the previous tip\u2014whether it\u2019s photos or files, you don\u2019t want a mess to overtake your computer. Arrange documents and application icons in labeled folders; then, align those folders into grids on your desktop to streamline the look and feel of your computer. Change download destinations to a specific folder\u2014then clean them out regularly. Finally, give your keyboard, mouse, and screen a regular disinfectant<\/a> cleaning. These simple tips can work wonders on your productivity when you get back to work in the new year.<\/p>\n8) Get outside (even if it’s virtual).<\/span><\/h3>\nEven in the winter, you can still find safe and responsible ways to enjoy nature. Take a daily walk in your neighborhood or at a local park. Look for birds or wildlife in your backyard or out a window. And if you can\u2019t safely access the outdoors, you can use your device to enjoy live streams of animal and nature cameras<\/a>\u00a0or take an\u00a0interactive tour of our solar system<\/a>.<\/p>\n9) Relax your mind.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere are other, more immersive ways to turn the stress of digital life into a calming experience. Consider streaming nature sounds, like ocean waves or rainfall, in the background while you work. Explore that meditation or yoga app you\u2019ve been meaning to try. If fitness helps you unwind, look up home workouts or bodyweight exercises to occupy your mind and body. Listen to music, loop a scenic slideshow, get lost in an audiobook\u2014whatever works for you, take a little time each day to do it.<\/p>\n
10) Safeguard your data.<\/span><\/h3>\nRansomware attacks and phishing attempts have increased this year. Hackers have used COVID-19 to try and capitalize on our fears. Valuable information has been stolen and government agencies have been compromised. In other words, there\u2019s never been a better time to protect your personal and business information. Don\u2019t click any links or attachments in unfamiliar emails, don\u2019t divulge personal information over unusual phone calls, and don\u2019t let a data disaster impact your day-to-day operations. Make sure data backups<\/a>\u00a0are performed regularly and stored remotely. If a ransomware infection or a natural disaster does strike your business, a reliable data backup is critical to recovery.<\/p>\nAt CMIT Solutions, we\u2019ve spent 2020 helping North American businesses navigate significant changes to the workplace. If you need help with\u00a0remote work protocols<\/a>, mobile device management, or\u00a0network security<\/a>, we\u2019re\u00a0here to help<\/a>. Together, we\u2019ve made it through a challenging year by focusing on all the good that brings us together. Here\u2019s to more of it in 2021.<\/p>\n
2) Donate money or time to charity.<\/span><\/h3>\nIf your finances are stable, consider helping those who may not be in the same situation. Many charities and non-profits have shifted their fundraising and membership activities online this year. That makes it easier than ever to send donations via text, schedule outreach efforts for flexible hours, and participate in safe ways. Food banks and toy drives are particularly popular this time of year; mutual aid organizations that provide direct support to vulnerable populations in specific communities have also increased in popularity. As always, vet the charity you want to support first by looking for relevant information about how they distribute their money and other resources.<\/p>\n
3) Plan a holiday drive.<\/span><\/h3>\nIn the past, many of us would relish the opportunity to walk through a favorite neighborhood strung with festive lights and holiday decorations. In 2020, the safest way to do that is from your vehicle. Look for local news stories that promote such activities and plot your route using online maps. Bring along hot chocolate or cookies to make the experience extra fun; have your kids wear their favorite holiday pajamas and take pictures they can share with friends and family. Don\u2019t forget to check the weather forecast before you leave the house and drive safely once you do!<\/p>\n
4) Explore a museum or art exhibit.<\/span><\/h3>\nIf you feel like you\u2019re stuck at home with nothing to do, just know that millions of us feel the same way. Cultural institutions have had to shift their offerings to welcome visitors virtually, and we can all benefit from that increased access. Check out online programming at your favorite museum or art gallery. Many offer online tours, digital archives, and even virtual classes. This is a great way to support your local cultural organization, too.<\/p>\n
5) Buy a gift certificate to help local businesses.<\/span><\/h3>\nSpeaking of supporting local, it\u2019s no surprise that thousands of small businesses have suffered this year. If you can, consider buying an online gift certificate now to be used in person when the pandemic ends. That could help a local company make it through these tough economic times while giving you (or a loved one) something to look forward to in 2021.<\/p>\n
6) Clean up your digital photos.<\/span><\/h3>\nMost of us carry a high-powered camera around every day, allowing us to take a staggering number of photos without even thinking twice. The downside is that it\u2019s easy to lose those images on our phones, social media accounts, or cloud-based backups. If you have extra time before the end of the year, devote some of it to organizing those photos. You can arrange them in folders on your desktop computer, back them up to an external hard drive, or even print them out (using easy online ordering) to make an old-fashioned scrapbook.<\/p>\n
7) Organize your desktop.<\/span><\/h3>\nThis connects to the previous tip\u2014whether it\u2019s photos or files, you don\u2019t want a mess to overtake your computer. Arrange documents and application icons in labeled folders; then, align those folders into grids on your desktop to streamline the look and feel of your computer. Change download destinations to a specific folder\u2014then clean them out regularly. Finally, give your keyboard, mouse, and screen a regular disinfectant<\/a> cleaning. These simple tips can work wonders on your productivity when you get back to work in the new year.<\/p>\n8) Get outside (even if it’s virtual).<\/span><\/h3>\nEven in the winter, you can still find safe and responsible ways to enjoy nature. Take a daily walk in your neighborhood or at a local park. Look for birds or wildlife in your backyard or out a window. And if you can\u2019t safely access the outdoors, you can use your device to enjoy live streams of animal and nature cameras<\/a>\u00a0or take an\u00a0interactive tour of our solar system<\/a>.<\/p>\n9) Relax your mind.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere are other, more immersive ways to turn the stress of digital life into a calming experience. Consider streaming nature sounds, like ocean waves or rainfall, in the background while you work. Explore that meditation or yoga app you\u2019ve been meaning to try. If fitness helps you unwind, look up home workouts or bodyweight exercises to occupy your mind and body. Listen to music, loop a scenic slideshow, get lost in an audiobook\u2014whatever works for you, take a little time each day to do it.<\/p>\n
10) Safeguard your data.<\/span><\/h3>\nRansomware attacks and phishing attempts have increased this year. Hackers have used COVID-19 to try and capitalize on our fears. Valuable information has been stolen and government agencies have been compromised. In other words, there\u2019s never been a better time to protect your personal and business information. Don\u2019t click any links or attachments in unfamiliar emails, don\u2019t divulge personal information over unusual phone calls, and don\u2019t let a data disaster impact your day-to-day operations. Make sure data backups<\/a>\u00a0are performed regularly and stored remotely. If a ransomware infection or a natural disaster does strike your business, a reliable data backup is critical to recovery.<\/p>\nAt CMIT Solutions, we\u2019ve spent 2020 helping North American businesses navigate significant changes to the workplace. If you need help with\u00a0remote work protocols<\/a>, mobile device management, or\u00a0network security<\/a>, we\u2019re\u00a0here to help<\/a>. Together, we\u2019ve made it through a challenging year by focusing on all the good that brings us together. Here\u2019s to more of it in 2021.<\/p>\n
In the past, many of us would relish the opportunity to walk through a favorite neighborhood strung with festive lights and holiday decorations. In 2020, the safest way to do that is from your vehicle. Look for local news stories that promote such activities and plot your route using online maps. Bring along hot chocolate or cookies to make the experience extra fun; have your kids wear their favorite holiday pajamas and take pictures they can share with friends and family. Don\u2019t forget to check the weather forecast before you leave the house and drive safely once you do!<\/p>\n
4) Explore a museum or art exhibit.<\/span><\/h3>\nIf you feel like you\u2019re stuck at home with nothing to do, just know that millions of us feel the same way. Cultural institutions have had to shift their offerings to welcome visitors virtually, and we can all benefit from that increased access. Check out online programming at your favorite museum or art gallery. Many offer online tours, digital archives, and even virtual classes. This is a great way to support your local cultural organization, too.<\/p>\n
5) Buy a gift certificate to help local businesses.<\/span><\/h3>\nSpeaking of supporting local, it\u2019s no surprise that thousands of small businesses have suffered this year. If you can, consider buying an online gift certificate now to be used in person when the pandemic ends. That could help a local company make it through these tough economic times while giving you (or a loved one) something to look forward to in 2021.<\/p>\n
6) Clean up your digital photos.<\/span><\/h3>\nMost of us carry a high-powered camera around every day, allowing us to take a staggering number of photos without even thinking twice. The downside is that it\u2019s easy to lose those images on our phones, social media accounts, or cloud-based backups. If you have extra time before the end of the year, devote some of it to organizing those photos. You can arrange them in folders on your desktop computer, back them up to an external hard drive, or even print them out (using easy online ordering) to make an old-fashioned scrapbook.<\/p>\n
7) Organize your desktop.<\/span><\/h3>\nThis connects to the previous tip\u2014whether it\u2019s photos or files, you don\u2019t want a mess to overtake your computer. Arrange documents and application icons in labeled folders; then, align those folders into grids on your desktop to streamline the look and feel of your computer. Change download destinations to a specific folder\u2014then clean them out regularly. Finally, give your keyboard, mouse, and screen a regular disinfectant<\/a> cleaning. These simple tips can work wonders on your productivity when you get back to work in the new year.<\/p>\n8) Get outside (even if it’s virtual).<\/span><\/h3>\nEven in the winter, you can still find safe and responsible ways to enjoy nature. Take a daily walk in your neighborhood or at a local park. Look for birds or wildlife in your backyard or out a window. And if you can\u2019t safely access the outdoors, you can use your device to enjoy live streams of animal and nature cameras<\/a>\u00a0or take an\u00a0interactive tour of our solar system<\/a>.<\/p>\n9) Relax your mind.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere are other, more immersive ways to turn the stress of digital life into a calming experience. Consider streaming nature sounds, like ocean waves or rainfall, in the background while you work. Explore that meditation or yoga app you\u2019ve been meaning to try. If fitness helps you unwind, look up home workouts or bodyweight exercises to occupy your mind and body. Listen to music, loop a scenic slideshow, get lost in an audiobook\u2014whatever works for you, take a little time each day to do it.<\/p>\n
10) Safeguard your data.<\/span><\/h3>\nRansomware attacks and phishing attempts have increased this year. Hackers have used COVID-19 to try and capitalize on our fears. Valuable information has been stolen and government agencies have been compromised. In other words, there\u2019s never been a better time to protect your personal and business information. Don\u2019t click any links or attachments in unfamiliar emails, don\u2019t divulge personal information over unusual phone calls, and don\u2019t let a data disaster impact your day-to-day operations. Make sure data backups<\/a>\u00a0are performed regularly and stored remotely. If a ransomware infection or a natural disaster does strike your business, a reliable data backup is critical to recovery.<\/p>\nAt CMIT Solutions, we\u2019ve spent 2020 helping North American businesses navigate significant changes to the workplace. If you need help with\u00a0remote work protocols<\/a>, mobile device management, or\u00a0network security<\/a>, we\u2019re\u00a0here to help<\/a>. Together, we\u2019ve made it through a challenging year by focusing on all the good that brings us together. Here\u2019s to more of it in 2021.<\/p>\n
Speaking of supporting local, it\u2019s no surprise that thousands of small businesses have suffered this year. If you can, consider buying an online gift certificate now to be used in person when the pandemic ends. That could help a local company make it through these tough economic times while giving you (or a loved one) something to look forward to in 2021.<\/p>\n
6) Clean up your digital photos.<\/span><\/h3>\nMost of us carry a high-powered camera around every day, allowing us to take a staggering number of photos without even thinking twice. The downside is that it\u2019s easy to lose those images on our phones, social media accounts, or cloud-based backups. If you have extra time before the end of the year, devote some of it to organizing those photos. You can arrange them in folders on your desktop computer, back them up to an external hard drive, or even print them out (using easy online ordering) to make an old-fashioned scrapbook.<\/p>\n
7) Organize your desktop.<\/span><\/h3>\nThis connects to the previous tip\u2014whether it\u2019s photos or files, you don\u2019t want a mess to overtake your computer. Arrange documents and application icons in labeled folders; then, align those folders into grids on your desktop to streamline the look and feel of your computer. Change download destinations to a specific folder\u2014then clean them out regularly. Finally, give your keyboard, mouse, and screen a regular disinfectant<\/a> cleaning. These simple tips can work wonders on your productivity when you get back to work in the new year.<\/p>\n8) Get outside (even if it’s virtual).<\/span><\/h3>\nEven in the winter, you can still find safe and responsible ways to enjoy nature. Take a daily walk in your neighborhood or at a local park. Look for birds or wildlife in your backyard or out a window. And if you can\u2019t safely access the outdoors, you can use your device to enjoy live streams of animal and nature cameras<\/a>\u00a0or take an\u00a0interactive tour of our solar system<\/a>.<\/p>\n9) Relax your mind.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere are other, more immersive ways to turn the stress of digital life into a calming experience. Consider streaming nature sounds, like ocean waves or rainfall, in the background while you work. Explore that meditation or yoga app you\u2019ve been meaning to try. If fitness helps you unwind, look up home workouts or bodyweight exercises to occupy your mind and body. Listen to music, loop a scenic slideshow, get lost in an audiobook\u2014whatever works for you, take a little time each day to do it.<\/p>\n
10) Safeguard your data.<\/span><\/h3>\nRansomware attacks and phishing attempts have increased this year. Hackers have used COVID-19 to try and capitalize on our fears. Valuable information has been stolen and government agencies have been compromised. In other words, there\u2019s never been a better time to protect your personal and business information. Don\u2019t click any links or attachments in unfamiliar emails, don\u2019t divulge personal information over unusual phone calls, and don\u2019t let a data disaster impact your day-to-day operations. Make sure data backups<\/a>\u00a0are performed regularly and stored remotely. If a ransomware infection or a natural disaster does strike your business, a reliable data backup is critical to recovery.<\/p>\nAt CMIT Solutions, we\u2019ve spent 2020 helping North American businesses navigate significant changes to the workplace. If you need help with\u00a0remote work protocols<\/a>, mobile device management, or\u00a0network security<\/a>, we\u2019re\u00a0here to help<\/a>. Together, we\u2019ve made it through a challenging year by focusing on all the good that brings us together. Here\u2019s to more of it in 2021.<\/p>\n
This connects to the previous tip\u2014whether it\u2019s photos or files, you don\u2019t want a mess to overtake your computer. Arrange documents and application icons in labeled folders; then, align those folders into grids on your desktop to streamline the look and feel of your computer. Change download destinations to a specific folder\u2014then clean them out regularly. Finally, give your keyboard, mouse, and screen a regular disinfectant<\/a> cleaning. These simple tips can work wonders on your productivity when you get back to work in the new year.<\/p>\n Even in the winter, you can still find safe and responsible ways to enjoy nature. Take a daily walk in your neighborhood or at a local park. Look for birds or wildlife in your backyard or out a window. And if you can\u2019t safely access the outdoors, you can use your device to enjoy live streams of animal and nature cameras<\/a>\u00a0or take an\u00a0interactive tour of our solar system<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are other, more immersive ways to turn the stress of digital life into a calming experience. Consider streaming nature sounds, like ocean waves or rainfall, in the background while you work. Explore that meditation or yoga app you\u2019ve been meaning to try. If fitness helps you unwind, look up home workouts or bodyweight exercises to occupy your mind and body. Listen to music, loop a scenic slideshow, get lost in an audiobook\u2014whatever works for you, take a little time each day to do it.<\/p>\n Ransomware attacks and phishing attempts have increased this year. Hackers have used COVID-19 to try and capitalize on our fears. Valuable information has been stolen and government agencies have been compromised. In other words, there\u2019s never been a better time to protect your personal and business information. Don\u2019t click any links or attachments in unfamiliar emails, don\u2019t divulge personal information over unusual phone calls, and don\u2019t let a data disaster impact your day-to-day operations. Make sure data backups<\/a>\u00a0are performed regularly and stored remotely. If a ransomware infection or a natural disaster does strike your business, a reliable data backup is critical to recovery.<\/p>\n At CMIT Solutions, we\u2019ve spent 2020 helping North American businesses navigate significant changes to the workplace. If you need help with\u00a0remote work protocols<\/a>, mobile device management, or\u00a0network security<\/a>, we\u2019re\u00a0here to help<\/a>. Together, we\u2019ve made it through a challenging year by focusing on all the good that brings us together. Here\u2019s to more of it in 2021.<\/p>\n8) Get outside (even if it’s virtual).<\/span><\/h3>\n
9) Relax your mind.<\/span><\/h3>\n
10) Safeguard your data.<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/tribeca-ny-1166\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/02\/v-shadow.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"