Social Distancing, Not Social Isolation
So, the world is a rough place right now. Hopefully you are not directly being affected by COVID-19, and are just being inconvenienced. Social distancing can feel hard and awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. And it definitely doesn’t have to be social isolation. Now, more than ever, it’s important to maintain connections with those you know and love.
Just because you’re inside doesn’t mean you have to be alone. If you don’t have family members living with you, make sure you’re still taking care of yourself. Fresh air – whether you walk outside or just open the window, can help lift your spirits. And keep your connections active.
You can use Facetime, or Skype, or Hangouts, or Zoom, to remain close to friends, family and colleagues. Parents with kids might welcome you calling and distracting the little ones via Facetime. I know we call family and let the kids entertain them for a little while. Coworkers will welcome your understanding as you are all working from home. Social distancing from each other may mean you’re introduced to the kids in their homes.
You can stream movies or music from any number of online services, some of which are free, and some are subscription based. But after you’ve watched and listened, go online and make some new friends – join an online social group to chat about Star Wars films, or Frozen, Fast & Furious, or Bond movies. Make a marathon out of your viewing if you’re so inclined, and then find a Facebook group that caters to your viewing pleasure. There are plenty of franchises out there you can watch movies back-to-back.
Reach out to a life coach (Hello! Work with me here!) You have real feelings about what’s going on in the world right now, and working through them with a life coach is a great way to resolve uncertainty, doubt, stress, and uncertainty that you may be experiencing.
Take some advice from a social distancing nun who’s been doing it a lot longer than we have. Watch the videos coming out of Italy showing how strong community can be right now. So use this time as a chance to reset a little bit, take up your own space but no one else’s. Give yourself and your neighbors a bit of grace. And if you have to go out, use safe practices. And if you have to stay home, use safe practices, too.
Now could be a good time to learn a new skill. You can google just about anything and get a hit on it these days. “How to beat the storm in Fortnite.” “How to master double crochet.” “How to get a hemline even all the way around.” Or pick up the guitar you’ve got standing up on the corner of the room, and really learn to play it.
Try not to leave the news on 24/7. It gets repetitive and depressing, and can be downright scary. By all means, leave the television on or have music playing if it helps ease your loneliness and stress. You can even make a playlist to remember what you’re feeling like right now. Or make one for how you’d like to feel.
Sign up for an online course, whether for a fee or for free. Take a class about something you’ve always wanted to know. Like Ancient Egypt. Or public health. There really is something out there for everyone.
Right now, taking care of yourself is paramount. Because taking the best care of you is also the way you can take the best care of your community. Stay safe out there.