Maintaining Connections During COVID

 

The need for connection to other people is a huge part of being human. We need physical touch, communication, and nurturing. During times of COVID, maintaining connections can be hard. Especially because human beings are social creatures, lack of connection can lead to feeling depressed or anxiety-ridden. Whether you are in quarantine, maintaining social distance, or in the worst case, if you have contracted COVID, isolating can be detrimental to your health.

There have been studies that show those who participate in social activities can lead longer lives, have more of a sense of purpose and maintain a better mood overall. Other reasons why it is important to stay connected include,

• Overall longer life expectancy
• Stronger immune system
• Happier overall/reduced depression symptoms
• Improved memory
• Improved cognitive skills
• Increased motivation for self-care
• Lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol

Luckily by living in the year 2021, there are methods to maintain connections during these unprecedented times.

Whether you call your parents, grandparents, family members, grandchildren, children, or simply a friend, pick up the phone and call. You can reach out to a cousin you have not spoken to in a long time, or someone you bumped into once. Your call might even bring comfort and connection to someone else in need, along with giving yourself a social boost.

Some people love technology, but some hate it. If you are one of those who hate it, try to utilize the options you have available. Take a tutorial if you are struggling with the various methods, but do not write them off. Different options to connect during COVID, through technology, include,

• FaceTime
• Skype
• WhatsApp
• Messaging apps

You can host a video chat, happy hour, or even jump onto an online video chat room. If you are struggling to use technology, simply type into your search engine “how to _____,” and you should find a tutorial.

There are various options to connect with new individuals online. This might include a discussion group or even a live stream with live chat. There are also options to join book clubs or other clubs of people with similar interests. You may also want to join an online workout group as some of these allow you to connect your home machines together for “partner workouts.”

If you are truly needing in-person connection, you can practice social distancing during outdoor activities. Consider wearing a mask and maintaining a 6-foot distance while on a walk, or at the park. This will allow you to communicate with a friend or family member while still staying safe.

With your mask on, head to the park (or a dog park if you have a pet). You will be able to maintain a safe distance while still interacting with those around you. Know that other people are looking to make connections as well, which is most likely why they are heading to the dog park themselves.

Social connections are essential to humans. We live in communities for a reason, and when our ability to connect is removed, it can be detrimental to our health. Although COVID-19 has taken away the normal actions of everyday life, do not lose hope.

Prioritize human connection. Find ways to communicate with the ones you love and care about. Whether you are sitting in isolation or simply social distancing, there are ways to connect. If you are struggling during these tough times, contact us at Compassionate Edge. We can offer coaching and therapy, to help you stay strong as we navigate the new normal as a human race.