Posted: May 01, 2021 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: May 1
Ana Maria Cruz-Valderrama learned about mandalas in her art therapy class at Algonquin College. She says colouring the intricate designs requires attention and focus, which also relieves anxiety.(Submitted by Ana Maria Cruz-Valderrama)
When the pandemic hit, Ana Maria Cruz-Valderrama went from being one of the busiest 70-year-olds in Ottawa to losing the majority of her daily activities.
That included the art therapy classes she d been taking, her volunteer work with other seniors and her regular physical activities like swimming. With the pandemic, I lost everything, the former public servant said. The advice for me was to stay home, and it was very, very tough.