Social connection in the new normal
It has been 6 weeks since strict regulations have been put in place due to COVID-19 and we are now accepting and adapting to our new way of life.
Whilst self-isolating for the good of our own and our communities health, we have had to remain socially isolated from many family and friends. This poses many negative implications. We lose connections, we may battle with mental health and we have to create new daily routines to keep us socially stimulated through technology. This isolation time should however serve as a reminder to consistently reach out to those around you - especially those you haven’t heard from in a little while.
We have been asked to sit still, to be present in our homes and keep to our own space. I remind people often that they should reframe the current situation, to remember that we are in fact safe at home, rather than stuck at home. However, this often applies more to our physical wellbeing, rather than our emotional or mental wellbeing.
Whilst you’ve sat at home in the last month, your mind may have begun to wander. Thoughts, emotions and ideas that have been neglected, ignored or put on the back burner as the business of life previously took priority, may right now find its way to the forefront of your mind. These emotions and feelings can be deep and unsettling, not to mention compacted and heightened when going through this alone. The combination of social restrictions, financial pressures, parenting, educating and working from home, further add greater tension. It’s important too to remember that in the current environment, some people's gateways to dealing with these emotions have been removed.
Asking for help is never easy and for some of us communicating this is extremely challenging and overwhelming. In this moment, our mental health and wellbeing are more vital than ever before but most importantly what we need to focus on is good communication.
Please know this: You are never alone and it’s okay to not be okay.
I am extremely guilty of being much too busy to process feelings and emotions in the moment. I often ignore them because I perceive it to be an inconvenient time to deal with the issue at hand - even though it’s important to recognise that they are appearing in that moment for a reason. So, once I stop, take a break, or begin sitting still, It gives me a chance to dive into these emotions, explore the intentions and push myself personally to understand the lesson and how to move through this for myself, my health and overall quality of life. It’s never an easy process but I do have different strategies, support systems and methods I have developed over the years to help.
The strong support system that surrounds me is essential. Even though we are not allowed to see our family, friends, our support teams and community physically, there are so many different ways to continue to connect. I remind myself of this daily and make sure that I'm reaching out to just have a chat with someone different each day. Digital and social media have become our greatest allies. Communication can be successfully upheld via video phone calls on Facetime, Zoom or Google chats where you can talk to one person or a whole group at the same time. Even just picking up the phone and having more regular phone calls with people is such a great way to stay connected, especially when there are no options for video calls.
Don’t forget about your local community and those that live close to you.Connect with those in your street and have a community driveway catch up on a Friday or Saturday afternoon. Bring your camp chairs, some drinks and nibbles and chat from across the street or next door. I don’t know about you all but now that I am home a bit more (okay a lot more), I have been able to spend some time with and meet more of my neighbours. Perhaps the greatest example of this is that together, half our street came out to commemorate the ANZACs on Saturday the 25th of April. We stood at the end of our driveways, candles in hand and the last post was played loudly. It connected us. Even in these uncertain times.
I also love that people are recognising what’s really important during these challenging times and even reverting to older methods of communication. One of my favourite things to do is write letters. There is nothing more personal and heartwarming than receiving an unexpected letter from a loved one or dear friend. This tradition has been something I have continued to do with my grandparents. We each look forward to receiving personal notes from one another about our lives, keeping us connected in a unique and special way.
Additionally, I’ll send letters to friends, work colleagues or to other businesses that have empowered and supported me in order to give back. So I implore you to write letters, send some love and excitement to family, friends or even local business owners. Let them know that they are appreciated, loved and that you miss their presence in the community. It is also a fantastic way to encourage your kids to connect with their friends in a way that isn’t technology based. It promotes mindfulness, gratitude and compassion. It’s also a great way to support and develop literacy skills.
Now, as restrictions hopefully begin to slowly ease, with different states allowing for family picnics or even small personal home visits, we cherish the freedom to connect in person yet again with those we love. However, this virus will stay with us for a while yet and I ask that you remember to connect with your wider community, friends and family in the alternate ways I have detailed above, remembering that people are still very vulnerable.
There truly are so many ways to remain social, to connect and be around others to ensure we band together as a community and get through this.
Please remember to be kind to yourself, allow yourself to feel, give you and your family time and space and ensure that you look after your mental and physical health. Don’t forget to encourage your kids to communicate with those around them, as they too will be finding this challenging.
Perhaps this new normal is a reminder to focus on the important things in life; the wellbeing of ourselves and those around us. If we continue to promote effective communication and emotional support for one another, we will get through this together.
I’m here if you ever need me!