10 Tips to Staying Socially Connected
Physical Distancing not Social Distancing
Can we please change the way we speak about distancing and use the term physical distancing rather than social distancing?
We are being asked to distance ourselves physically from each other, but we really want to concentrate our energies on socially staying as connected as possible in these difficult times.
We know that isolation and disconnectedness are major contributors to anxiety and depression and we are social beings, taking much comfort and support from each and our social connectedness.
I’d like to start a discussion on ways we can all stay connected and invite your comments and ideas of how your also staying connected with your family, friends and community.
1. Face Time
Apps such as zoom, Facetime, Skype and House Party allow us to see each other and pick up on those facial cues, see each other smile, laugh or cry and feel so much more connected than in a phone call.
Teach your elderly relatives how to use Facetime so they benefit too.
These apps allow a group to catch up together too, so if your missing your girls' dinners or the boys night out, you can all still come together this way. In my circle we have made this a regular Saturday catch up which is so lovely to look forward to.
My children are really enjoying seeing their friends this way too and are of course so savvy with the tech, they are joining worlds in games already.
Stay positive by surrounding yourself with uplifting influences as a balance to the hysteria. Write a gratitude journal and consider this as a time to also reflect, create time and space, regroup, re-evaluate and become more connected globally.
2. Do Something Together
Within the household it’s easier of course to do a puzzle or a board game together. But is there something you can still do together with others, such as a walk with a friend?
If not in person then online doing a quiz or crossword? Playing an online game such as scrabble or chess? Joining a book club to discuss what you’ve been reading?
Can you connect with the grandkids and bake cookies together in your own kitchens, sharing the smells and then enjoying the cookies afterwards.
Girls can meet up online while you all paint your nails or have a mini facial while you chat. Encouraging each other to do something special for yourselves is priceless.
3. Be Neighbourly
Say hi and wave to neighbours as you are out on your daily walks. It’s been so nice to hear of people connecting more now with neighbours than they ever did before.
Leave a note for your elderly neighbours letting them know you can shop for them if they prefer not to go out.
Leave something you’ve baked or a craft project you did with the kids for a neighbour at their door.
4. Spend Quality Time Together
My kids have loved having me at home more. It’s a juggle for us, as I’m still working, but putting aside that special time for family and kids is really rewarding.
A completely different holiday this time round, but without sport, school or activities has created more time together. As well as doing puzzles, we’ve been on the trampoline, making craft, colouring in, cooking and reading books together.
5. Use Our Senses
Smells are especially powerful at helping us access our emotions. Lilies remind me of my sister, so by having some in the hallway, my children are reminded of their cousin’s house whenever they walk by. Roses or other flowers may remind you of family members and can promote that feeling of connectedness to that person.
The smell of incense may help whilst doing yoga at home. Essential oils can also work really well. Baking a favourite dish that you usually share together can fill the kitchen with smell and then tastes as well.
7. Letter Writing
I’ve heard people returning to the old traditions such as letter writing. How lovely to get a hand-written letter in the mail! Telling stories through writing is a wonderful way to spend your time and will surely be appreciated.
8. Global Meditation
Connecting with millions of people at the same time to meditate is powerful in itself. Today with our combined global crisis, globally connecting is really important. Meditation is a positive way we can do this together.
9. Share a Playlist
I love to receive a link to a playlist from a friend. Why not create one for different moods and send it on for others to listen to and enjoy.
10. Offer Support
If you have the time, volunteering your support is a wonderful way to help those feeling the effects of isolation. A simple call to chat could be what really makes a persons’ day.
Stay connected to health care providers, including me! We are offering free 10 minute mini-consults to give you the best immune and stress advice. Make a booking on my website: Food Allergy Testing.
