Tips on how to stay engaged and connected with loved ones, even if it’s from a distance.
Being apart from your loved ones during this time can be challenging on many levels, but connections can still exist, and sometimes grow even stronger. Human connection is essential for good health, especially when life presents situations that can cause increased anxiety. The good news is social distancing doesn't mean being alone.
Being in lockdown and not being able to do the things we normally would is hard enough. For many, it’s made worse because they’re doing it away from people they love.
Whether it’s because they’re stuck abroad, having to stay away from vulnerable relatives, or because your housemates have moved home and you can’t, there are loads of people who are unexpectedly living in isolation.
Get some face time in with video chats.
Thanks to technology, there has never been a better way to stay connected with your loved ones while you’re apart. You can use video chat to have moments of connection, maintain some of your regular routines like cooking dinner together or watching your favorite show, and even have virtual “get-togethers.”
Make a phone call.
Just hearing someone’s voice can be enough to lift both of your spirits. Asking someone how they’re doing can also be all it takes to be honest about feeling isolated and lonely. Even if a call ends up being a voicemail, you’ve let someone know you were thinking about them.
Host a virtual meetup.
Zoom, Skype, Google Hangout and many other platforms provide a great way to stay connected with loved ones. You can cook meals and digi-dine together, play games, discuss books, and just about anything else you can think of that helps pass the time – and reconnect – with family and friends.
Have a neighborhood hangout.
Social distancing doesn't mean total isolation. Driveways, yards and sidewalks make it easier to set boundaries while allowing you and your neighbors to get outside and connect. You can also encourage your children to get involved through neighborhood scavenger hunts and “gallery walks” that feature chalk art on each driveway.
Enjoy the sunshine and exercise if you can.
Go for a walk in a local park or just around the neighborhood and let the natural surroundings relax you.
Throw your own film festival.
Who says you need to be in the same room as someone to enjoy a film with them? Technology has already addressed this, and there’s never been a better time to take advantage. You can playback video at the same time, mute to discuss key plot points, and even enjoy a meal or drink together while you watch. Try Netflix Party, which is a free Google Chrome extension that allows users to link up with friends and host long-distance movie nights.
Get crafty.
Find projects that are creative and rewarding, especially if it will cheer up someone you love. Sending a handwritten note, knitting a scarf or creating a personal card for friends and family provides a personal touch that could make a world of difference to anyone feeling lonely or isolated.
Keep your loved ones entertained.
Share podcasts, emails, calls and links about your favorite books, radio shows and movies with your loved ones and friends so they have more entertainment.
Take a moment to appreciate what you have.
It can be easy to focus on everything negative that’s happening at the moment, but taking a second to pause and reflect on the good things can be a breath of fresh air.
Make a to-do list.
If you find yourself with extra time on your hands, try creating a list of things to do that will help keep you distracted – and maybe even learn a new skill. There may be some tinkering you can do around the house, a new exercise routine you’ve wanted to master, or a virtual class you can take online.
Try not to put too much pressure on yourself.
Your social media feeds might be full of people learning seven new languages, creating gyms at home or baking enough sourdough bread to feed an army, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a break if you just need a rest. Needing some time to process everything by binge watch a series is completely okay, so be sure to add it – and any other relaxing pastime that you enjoy – to your to-do list.
Keep to a routine.
If you normally eat breakfast at 8 am, keep doing so. And if you usually meet with a friend for coffee on a Wednesday, keep it in your schedule, but arrange a video call instead. These things may seem small, but a “normal” routine can help to ground us in times of isolation.
Comments