SPECIAL: Social distancing can feel lonely. Here are five ways to maintain community during COVID-19
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout the U.S., thousands of in-person gatherings are being canceled, including sporting events, parades, concerts and church services. For many, the CDC recommendations on social distancing can start to feel isolating. People who have anxiety and depression can have their symptoms exacerbated, and people who are not normally depressed or anxious can start to feel disconnected and lonely.
However, there are ways to maintain community while still being responsible, according to Laura Schopp, professor and chair of the Department of Health Psychology in the School of Health Professions at the University of Missouri.
“We can mitigate the effects of social distancing by reaching out to others in different ways,” Schopp said. “It is very empowering when everyone feels like they have a place to make a contribution.”
Schopp can provide the following insight for maintaining community:
Call
or video chat with family and friends. Connecting with others virtually can
build a sense of community during a difficult time.
This
includes virtual gaming, checking in with people through text messaging and
hanging out in video group chats. People can consider using phone trees to
check in on family members and to keep everyone posted on how they are doing.
You can play board games using video chat or FaceTime, and you might want to
consider a brief daily group call with a small group of friends to plan what
you will do today in the event that you cannot get out. Just make sure that
your conversations include non-virus-related topics, since it can be easy to
focus on the virus and forget all the things that are going well.
If
it is safe to do so, spend time with one or two other people in-person.
Remember,
it’s okay for small groups of ten people or fewer to still spend time together.
The CDC defines “social distancing” as maintaining six feet of distance between
yourself and others, when possible. Make sure to wash your hands and wipe down
surfaces before and after spending time together. If weather permits, go
outside! Sitting around a fire pit can be a way to pass an enjoyable evening.
Walking outside is a great way to relieve stress, appreciate nature and enjoy
the outdoors. Consider walking on a local trail, or a trip to a local park now
that the weather is warming up. If your home is set up for it, a Netflix night
with a one or two people can allow you to enjoy each other’s company while
still sitting six feet apart.
Cook
a meal for a friend, family member or neighbor who doesn’t cook or deliver
groceries to someone who is housebound.
This is
a small way to make a big impact and will also brighten your day. Consider
leaving kind notes for others outside their houses or an occasional small
gesture of care, such as a small jar of cut flowers or a book you’ve recently
enjoyed. Make sure others who cannot leave their houses have your cell phone
number. Also, don’t forget to ask about their pets — do they have enough cat
litter or dog food? Additionally, consider sharing suggestions for funny videos
or classic movies you have enjoyed.
Greet
someone with warmth without shaking hands.
There’s
no need to avoid eye-contact and smiling at your neighbor. We’re all in this
together. A polite wave can make a great morale booster during these tough
times.
Share
resources, if you are able.
If you
have extra toilet paper or cleaning supplies available, consider sharing your
surplus to benefit others. Food banks, homeless shelters and other local
agencies need your donations. Many people struggle in the best of times to
ensure that their families have the resources they need, and the virus puts
even more pressure on individuals and organizations just when securing those
resources may be most challenging.
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