Staying Connected While Staying Apart
While we are all encouraged to stay home and maintain safe distance to stop Covid-19’s spread, it can be easy to feel socially isolated and lonely. Here are a few tips on how to feel connected despite this year’s challenges.
1.
Small interactions still count! If you go
for a walk, be sure to smile and say hello to anyone crossing your path. At the
grocery store, make eye contact with the cashier and wish them a good day.
While sitting on your front porch, wave at those walking past. Obviously, these
actions aren’t big heart-to-heart conversations, but over time they absolutely
help us feel connected and a part of our community.
2.
Connect online and over the phone. I
know, many of us are tired of Zoom meetings. But using this technology won’t
feel the same if you aren’t using it the same way. Conversations are a valuable
way to catch up with one another and maintain relationships, but I encourage
you to see if you can get creative and share an experience together by doing an
activity while staying virtually connected! Maybe try watching a movie together
by using Netflix Party extension or watch a hockey game you can both find on tv.
Have a craft night where you both have the materials available. Another option
is to play a game online together (you can find ways to play many of the conventional
board games as well as new games online through a quick Google search).
3.
Enjoy your time with those in your bubble.
For those living with a partner, family, roommate, pet, or living alone and regularly
visiting a designated household, try and make the most out of those connections.
While it can be helpful to vent about the news or your own concerns with the
world’s current challenges, try to also incorporate in opportunities to share
an activity together or have some fun and lighthearted conversations as well. What
we choose to focus on can make a great difference in setting the tone for our connections.
4.
Look out for each other. A wonderful way
to feel connected and increase your sense of meaning and purpose is to serve others.
Consider checking in on someone over the phone or through email. Access online
support groups, which can offer a place to feel supported and support others. Perhaps
consider if there are any safe ways you can help others with a physical task,
such as shovelling a neighbour’s driveway or picking up groceries for them.