Social Interaction while Social Distancing
Spending quality time with friends or loved ones is important for you mental and physical well-being, but in times like these, it can be hard to make that happen. Too much time on your own can make you feel lonely and out of touch, so it is important to make an effort to spend time with others. Social distancing has made interacting with loved ones difficult, but there are tools you can use to stay connected, even from the comfort of your own couch.
Benefits of Socialization:
- Better mental health – social interaction, even over the phone or via video chat, can improve your overall mood
- Promotes a sense of safety, belonging and security – a feeling we all need during this time of stress related to COVID-19
You may be working from home and interacting with your default work peer group and relationships at work are important, but communication with those outside work is important too. Relationships with neighbors, the parents of your kids’ friends or others that share common interests with you are good for your well-being. Take a second to evaluate the people you talk with and look for new ways to branch out if that circle doesn’t go beyond colleagues. Reach out to an old friend or colleague on social media.
Technology has given us the ability to connect from a distance better than ever before. Applications such as Skype, Zoom and Facetime give users the ability to interact beyond just a phone call. Video chat with your family or friends; you can even schedule a video chat with a whole group.
Get creative; some individuals have taken video calls to the next level and used them to have game night! You can play games such as Scattergories, Family Feud or Bingo with a group in your video call.
Schedule time with friends on a regular basis to avoid loneliness. It doesn’t have to be a full game night or virtual family get-together. It can be as simple as a 15-minute phone call with a good friend once or twice a week.
Feeling lonely or looking for ways to improve your social interaction during this time? Contact your EAP provider.
