Regardless of whether you live nearby or far apart from friends and loved ones, your usual manner of interacting with them has been disrupted by the need to practice social distancing, or physical distancing, in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Unfortunately, it has become necessary to practice caution when interacting with others, in order to help prevent the spread of the virus. More than ever before, socializing has become a remote activity; people are separated by computer screens, phones, and sometimes literal partitions. Adults and children alike are now habituated to seeing and meeting people only from the neck up!
Social distancing creates a painstaking loss in our daily lives. Each relationship you share – with yourself and others – fosters companionship, insight, and fulfillment. That’s why we miss spending time in-person with our family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and neighbors. You may even experience loneliness. This feeling can become a heavy burden to carry, if it persists: a lack of fulfillment or dissatisfaction with how we interact or with whom we interact. For example, loneliness may result from inadequate quality time with others or from lackluster interactions void of connection or emotional intimacy.
Our current circumstances, (i.e. a global pandemic) warrant us to get creative about when and how we interact with others – not to retreat even further away from one another. Here are some ideas to consider integrating into your regular routine:
- Reconnect. With people you haven’t seen in several weeks, months, or years. Text, call, or video chat to start the conversation.
- Use social media or video games. Although these platforms can provide immediate gratification, I caution you to use them sparingly. They can easily become habit-forming and preoccupy too much of your time.
- Prioritize your social life. Make certain to interact with someone every day: wave to your neighbor across the hall, speak to the members of your household, acknowledge the stranger you pass on the street, chat with the mail carrier, or turn on your video during that weekly staff meeting.
- Join the party. Virtual dance parties, hosted by celebrity DJs and music artists, are popping up online every day. Spotify also has pre-recorded parties available to download and listen to with friends.
- Join a group exercise class. Many gyms and equipment companies are offering FREE access to online classes – live or pre-recorded.
- Exchange handwritten letters with friends or family or live far away. It can be fun to learn how to communicate in a different way, and to experience the anticipation of receiving something new in the mail every week or so.
All my best,
NLF
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