Pod/Community Care
There is no doubt that the people we surround ourselves with are important to us. These people are our confidants, our besties, our sisters, brothers, neighbours, classmates, roommates – these folks are our support system.
Having that support system is incredibly important for our overall-being. It is just as important to care for our support system, or our ‘pod’, as we care for ourselves.
The concept of pod care and community care is to take care of one another. While this concept is not new and has existed for generations, the chaos of life today can cause us to sometimes forget to intentionally check-in with our pods, or set aside time to give back to our community.
You might be asking yourself, what are these pods? Pods are the people you are closest with. You decide who those people are, but typically that includes your family, friends, close neighbours, etc.
Pod care goes beyond a simple ‘hey how are you?’ – it prioritizes connection, and intentional acts to support each other, and showing up when it matters. When we engage in pod care, we are simultaneously supporting each other, and supporting ourselves – participating in pod care has been found to support the maintenance of both physical and mental health.
So, what does pod care look like in action?
Cooking and delivering pre-made meals to a loved one when they are experiencing grief, loss, or have experienced an injury
Listening to a friend rant/vent when they are upset or frustrated
Offering to help a friend move/reorganize/paint/clean (if you are able)
Walking a friend’s dog when they aren’t well or are having a busy day
Sending a care package to someone to celebrate a holiday or ‘just because’
Advertising a friend’s business on social media
Checking-in with folks about access needs when planning hangouts (i.e. consider food restrictions, physical ability, transportation, child care, etc.)
Taking time to celebrate the wins – no matter how big or small
Now, what about community? Community includes the geographical area that you live in (like a residence community), but extends well beyond that. This also includes shared identities (ex: LGBTQIA+ community), a shared experience (ex: campus community), or shared ideas/interests (like being a Swiftie!). Making an effort to care for our communities is important too.
So, what does community care look like in action?
Checking in with your local foodbank to see what items are in need, and donate them (if you can)
Going through your items (clothes, books, etc) and donating gently used items to a thrift store or shelter
Volunteering your time at a shelter, food bank, community event, etc.
Contributing to a community garden in your area
Speak up when something is not right in your community, engaging local politicians or representative councils (like Residents’ Student Council)
Joining a campus club, committee, or council
Shopping local wherever possible
Advertising local/small businesses on your social media pages
Sign and share petitions that combat harmful policies or show support for movements you are passionate about
The list can go on and on! Pod care and community care is a powerful, and important thing to participate in. It strengthens our connections, can fulfil us, helps to fill the cups of the people we love, and supports our communities.
How will you practice pod and community care?