'Social Distancing' vs. 'Social Isolation'
Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation. Here are some ways people are staying connected to family and friends.
Call
. Set aside time in the day to catch up with a phone call.
Text
. This may be the easiest and most preferred method for many.
Write
. Write a letter, card or note to someone. Find a “PenPal” and exchange written correspondence. Or go digital and create a shared google document to communicate more frequently.
Virtual Social Hour
. Set up a virtual social hour with friends and family using video chatting applications like Zoom, Google Hangouts Meet, Facetime or Houseparty.
Visit
. If you have an elderly or more vulnerable family member or friend, consider visiting their residence for some ‘face-to-face’ time through a window (hop on the phone so it is easier to hear each other). For some, physically seeing someone they love is essential to their well-being.
Do Together, Apart
. This may require a little more creativity, but think outside the box on ways to share some of the things you love to do with others. Using video applications figure out how to bake, workout, read, play games or make art together.
Acts of Kindness
. Simple acts of kindness can spread love and hope without ever having to come in contact with someone. Here are some examples: bake banana bread and leave it at a neighbor’s house, paint rainbows or draw uplifting pictures and drop them at your local nursing home to give to the residents, chalk positive messages on the sidewalk, or say thank you to someone who has done something nice for you!