Let’s Learn 6 Ways to Lessen the Socially Distanced Gap Between You and Your Loved Ones this Holiday Season…

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we interact with each other, leading to increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Feeling lonely has become a common experience during the pandemic, as many of us are separated from friends and family. While social distancing is necessary to protect our communities, it’s also important to maintain a sense of community during these challenging times.

That’s why maintaining our connections—and actively connecting with others—has never been more important. Below, we’ll share practical ideas for maintaining our connections. Social interaction is essential for mental health, helping to reduce stress and support emotional well-being.

The Impact of Covid 19

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from how we work to how we connect with others. Social distancing and physical distancing have become essential practices to slow the spread of Covid 19 and protect our communities. However, these necessary precautions can also bring about negative effects, such as increased anxiety, feelings of loneliness, and social isolation. Many people are finding it harder to maintain good health—both mentally and emotionally—when they can’t see friends or family members face to face.

It’s important to recognize that these feelings are a normal response to an extraordinary situation. The isolation brought on by the coronavirus pandemic can strain relationships and make it challenging to stay connected. But by acknowledging these challenges, we can begin to discuss practical ideas for maintaining our connections and supporting our mental health. Whether it’s reaching out with a simple message, planning creative ways to interact, or just being honest about our feelings, every effort counts. Understanding the impact of Covid 19 on our relationships and well-being is the first step toward building resilience and finding new ways to connect, even when life presents situations that keep us apart.

The virus has hit so many people in so many different ways. Whether it is a lack of sports or a lack of friends, etc. For some people, they can’t even see their loved ones. Also, being alone for long periods of time can be really taxing on mental health. This is a tough time for many, as the challenges of separation and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. The pandemic has taken so much from so many innocent people.

But, the most taxing thing that most people have had to deal with is the absence of their loved ones. Being alone is hard enough, but for those people who are in a deep relationship but are not living with their significant other, it is extremely taxing. For some, this absence can feel like total isolation, making it even more difficult to cope. However, there are some strategies to lessen that six-foot gap that you should keep between you and your significant other.

Facetime, Zoom, and Video Chat

Technology today is a gift. There is nothing like it in the history of the world. The amount of technological strides our world has taken in such a short amount of time is unprecedented. But, some people refused to use the resources at his fingertips– zoom calls, google meet, group video chat, adobe connect, the list goes on and on.

Instead of using these resources that are right at their fingertips, people would rather complain about how they can’t see other people. Instead of complaining about what you can’t do, make a facetime call to someone you love or connect with your friend group for an hour, and try using an anagram solver. What else do you have to do?

Little Things 

Small acts of kindness go a long way in times of trouble. Your significant other could be having a particularly bad day, and a small card in the mail or send letters could completely turn their day around. Being alone is extremely difficult, but doing these small things makes it feel as if someone is still there

You know that you have people out there who care about you during this time if these small acts are done. Leave a box of chocolates outside someone’s door, wear a mask of course. Just make it known that you care about these people—your significant other and other loved ones—through small acts of kindness.

Calling and Texting 

It sounds juvenile and too easy to make a real difference, but sending the people you care about a simple text and call—including audio only phone calls—could make or break their day. If they don’t hear from you they could be worried and sad and lonely, but if you shoot them a quick good morning message and ask them how they have been it might change their whole perspective.

Giving someone a quick phone call is something that was oftentimes overlooked considering everyone you really wanted to talk to you could say it to them in person. Developing the habit of giving people you care about a quick ring is something that could benefit even after the virus has gotten under control, as these calls allow you to spend time with loved ones even when you can’t be together in person.

Ask People How They Feel

Sometimes people just are not doing well. Especially in these times of trouble, when stress levels may be high, asking people how they are feeling is really important. If somebody is not doing well and they need someone to talk to about it, be that person. The conversations you have with people may be limited so really make them count.

Being an option for people to express themselves and vent is huge in this time of distress. Plan regular check-ins or conversations to show your support. Having someone you care about to talk to can be the difference between a mental breakdown or a healthy conversation and relationship. Learning about one another from these hardships can be accomplished this way.

Socially Distant Gatherings

Have you seen the new McDonald’s commercial where it is a group of kids sitting in a circle, six feet apart, having a picnic? Even though that does look corny, it is much better than being alone. Having human interactions, even from a distance is much better than no human interaction at all. These types of gatherings are also great for allowing neighbors to join in safe, socially distanced activities.

Picnics, walks, bike rides, and anything that you can get outside to feel the fresh air while maintaining six feet and wearing face coverings is a great idea. You can also create driveway art or play tic tac toe using sidewalk chalk, which are fun ways to engage with neighbors while you socially distance. Organizing a gallery walk, where neighbors stroll by and view each other’s sidewalk art from a distance, is another creative option. Not only is it mentally healthy to get out and see other people face to face, but it is also great for your physical well being to get outside and exercise. These activities help build community during challenging times.

Online Group Games for Staying Connected

If you browse the internet for fun things to do late at night, you might run across games that can be played, in a group, but online. These aren’t the type of games that you would think to find– the hardcore gamer games. These are the types of games you can play with cards, with your buddies, at the house, and they can be enjoyed by the whole family.

For example, if you want to have a poker night with your friends, instead of risking everyone’s health and wellbeing, hope on an online poker site and have your buddies join in, get a group facetime going, and have a ball. If you want to make things really interesting, most of the online poker sites play with real money.

Overall, this virus has put many people through their toughest trials and tribulations.

Even though this has been hard for people to deal with, not seeing their friends and family, the mental toughness it takes to be by yourself, and the stipulations of being out in public. But in every dark cloud, there is a silver lining.

There is much to be learned throughout these tough times. There are several coping strategies and techniques that can be learned from these unfortunate events. For example, creative activities like using washable markers for family art projects or window games can help bring everyone together safely. Being able to knock down walls instead of creating new ones is a very important life lesson that can be learned from all of this. Instead of making new problems or using the excuse of the virus, find ways around it, and come up with solutions.

Navigating Long Distance Relationships

Long distance relationships have always required extra effort, but the coronavirus pandemic has made staying connected even more challenging. With physical distancing in place, couples and families are turning to technology to bridge the gap. Video chats, group video chats, and video calls have become lifelines, allowing loved ones to see each other’s faces, share smiles, and maintain that essential human connection—even when miles apart.

But technology isn’t the only way to keep relationships strong. Sending meaningful messages, planning a virtual watch party, or even creating colorful driveway art for a friend or family member can help you feel close, no matter the distance. Hosting a digital dinner party, where you and your loved ones eat dinner “together” over video chat, can bring a sense of normalcy and joy to your routine. For families, organizing a neighborhood scavenger hunt or playing games online can keep kids entertained and help everyone stay socially engaged.

It’s also important to set boundaries and make time for quality interactions, ensuring that each friend or family member feels valued and connected during this difficult time. By embracing creative ways to connect digitally and making the most of every opportunity to reach out, long distance relationships can not only survive but thrive, helping to prevent loneliness and strengthen bonds through even the toughest times.

How are you staying in touch with your loved ones during this Holiday season? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this page. 

Kiley took the big leap from working a 9-5 to quitting, getting out her laptop, and becoming a freelancer. Since then, she has found her passion in writing valuable, informative lifestyle and travel articles. After Traveling for years, she knows just how valuable a quick how-to guide can be for readers. Which is why she contributes guest posts to various blogs. 

 

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