In the past month, there have been some new phrases added to our vocabularies, one of which is “social distancing.” We now know the importance of staying six-feet apart from each other, avoiding crowds, even staying away from family and friends. While this is vitally important right now, It can be a real struggle, leaving us feeling alone during already overwhelming times.
The good news is technology is on our side. Human connection is so important to our overall mental health and we don’t have to sacrifice it completely. There are a variety of ways to stay connected to each other while continuing to practice social distancing.
Here are some suggestions:
1.) Telehealth: You may have noticed your primary care physician has gone to telehealth appointments, so have we here at Wellness Psychological Services. We may not be in the office, but we are still available to talk through anything you are struggling with through video telehealth platform.
2.) Using online meeting tools: There are so many internet tools at our fingertips to help during these unprecedented times: Facetime, Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, and more. You can share a glass of wine with a group of friends, celebrate a birthday, even sing with your choir. These tools are so helpful in facilitating a connection. You can do a group facetime call from any group text and instead of just texting all your friend’s faces can be seen to share in a group call.
3.) Write a letter: Remember that “old fashioned” thing we used to do called writing a letter, we still can. Have your kids write to grandparents about how they are feeling, start an email or text chain with friends, connection doesn’t have to mean being in the same space or even the same country.
4.) Utilize social media: A friend told me how her son’s teacher is recording videos of her reading books and putting them on Instagram. Artists like Chris Martin of Coldplay and John Legend are performing live concerts through platforms like Facebook. Sharing photos of your day, videos, thoughts with friends and family on these platforms can help you see how not alone you are.
5.) Organize a drive-by: Drive by a friend’s house and wave/honk, tape pictures or signs to your home window for others to see as they travel past — remember we are all in this together. The smallest little acts can have a big impact on someone’s day.
6.) Connect in your home: Now is a great time to reconnect as a family. Play board games, tell each other stories, make up a dance routine, have fun with it. We have spent so much time being busy we are now being forced to slow down. Embrace it.
7.) Take a virtual exercise class: Movement can be so helpful in reducing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. So many people and businesses are now offering virtual exercise classes, so you can work out with others at the same time in your own home. It can be a great way to connect (and get moving) without leaving the house.
8.) Use your imagination: Get lost in a good book. Write a story. Use your imagination to reconnect with yourself.
It is important to remember that while these times are challenging, they won’t last forever. You don’t have to kiss your social life goodbye, it is just different right now. Rather than get worked up over how you can’t have your weekly breakfast date with a friend, embrace other options. And, remember we are all in this together.
If you are struggling please don’t hesitate to reach out. At Wellness Psychological Services we are currently operating as a telehealth practice to keep everyone safe while still delivering the highest level of therapeutic treatment. We have openings to see patients virtually through video telehealth platforms. Contact us today for more information.