Social Distance Does Not Mean Social Isolation

During this time of social distancing, when we aren’t able to “see” people in person; friends, extended family and colleagues, remember to stay connected emotionally with those in your support system.

Social distancing means keeping everyone safe by staying at least 6 feet away from others not in your own home, and if you have to go out to the store for essential items, it means wearing a mask to protect yourself and others.

Social distancing doesn’t mean isolating yourself from people. Finding new ways to connect is important for good mental (and physical) health.

Get online when you can for virtual gatherings. You can plan a virtual game night with your friends where you all play multiplayer games in your gaming televisions (similar to the ones you can purchase at https://www.vizio.com/en/gaming) or laptops. Other things you can go for are a movie night, a pizza party, or celebrate birthdays/anniversaries.

Take advantage of other activities like reading, gardening, doing yard work (when the weather allows), do puzzles, binge watching shows and family game nights. Learn a new skill over distance learning or video. Have you always wanted to learn to sew? Or woodwork? Taking time to reset and recharge. Identify priorities and things that really matter.

I know I have some rooms that can be cleaned and purged and there is the basement and garage that needs sorting.

I find it helps to set one or two goals for myself a day, attainable goals and tasks. Do not try to do too much and set yourself up for failure. Be reasonable with yourself and others.

Giving back to others is also a great thing to do that will have multiple benefits for you and them. Helping an elderly neighbor with grocery shopping, or outside chores. Donating to your local food bank.

Self-care during social distancing means finding what feeds you.

So, ask yourself, “what feeds you?” and then make it happen.

Renee LaPoint, M.S.

The Mediation Center, Inc.

585-269-8140