How to reduce isolation and improve socialization during COVID-19
It all begins with an idea.
Meaningful social interactions and relationships are at the core of human wellbeing. Humans are mammals that are determinants of social interaction; we seek the support of others when feeling lonely, upset, and detached. Currently, we are experiencing one of the most unprecedented times, a time in which we are isolated from our loved ones. During these times we are expected to eliminate physical interaction with close family and friends for the safety of ourselves and others. In these restrictive times, it is normal to feel disconnected and isolated. However, unresolved emotions are positively correlated with elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Acknowledging and accepting your emotions will allow you to better understand yourself, your actions, and it may help you feel more in control.
We have interacted and formed relationships with those around us throughout history, which has benefited our mental and emotional health. Our social support plays a crucial role in our lives when we are hit with a roadblock or feeling depressed, stressed, or worried. Especially considering that we have had no face-to-face contact with people outside of our immediate family for the past year. Attempting to keep our social connections with friends in ways we've never done before has resulted in less social contact and a greater sense of isolation.
Despite the uncertainty of when socialization will start to feel "normal" research has proven that certain types of digital communication can facilitate social connectedness in various ways. The following are a few suggestions but feel free to include anything that works best for you.
Set up a virtual happy hour: Setting up a dedicated time with a friend will help create a sense of co-presence where you feel togetherness even when living apart. During this time grab a drink of your choice and play virtual games, update one another on your life, and share some jokes.
Text messaging: Text messaging has the power to make us feel connected and lean on our close ones. Sending a text message when feeling anxious, sad or disconnected delivers social support in the form of “being there” for someone or “having someone” to lean on.
Going on a safe walk: According to Alberta Health measures, it is safe to go on a walk with a friend while following the correct protocols. Staying 2m apart, wearing masks, and sanitizing will ensure you and your friend are safe.
Seeing a psychologist: Therapy is not exclusively for individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders. You can seek a psychologist to help develop coping strategies when feeling anxious, depressed, or isolated.
The most powerful form of love is self-love
It all begins with an idea.
It is inevitable for us as humans to seek love from others. Love, in the form of acceptance, appreciation or approval. From birth until now, we have been receiving love in various forms from those around us. Love in the form of Philia, Pragma, Familiar, Eros, Ludus, Mania, Philautia, or Agape. Each form of love holds its special meaning, just like in a dozen roses where each bloom holds a different meaning. But, what about self-love?
Self-love is the most undervalued but most significant type of love. Love helps us appreciate ourselves as a result of acts that benefit our physical and mental health. Self-love means selflessly prioritizing our needs, accepting our imperfections, valuing our feeling, holding ourselves accountable and so on. The meaning of self-love various as we all have different ways to care for ourselves. But the core to self-love is patience. Patience, to acknowledge that self-love is a lifelong journey and that gratification comes from persistence.
There are three stages in the journey of self-love: acknowledgement, acceptance, and action.
Stage 1: Acknowledgement, which is the realization that you want to prioritize yourself, selflessly spend time with yourself and be the best version of yourself. This is the most difficult, but most important, first step. Which will be experienced at a different time in life for everyone.
Stage 2: Acceptance, which has much higher energy than stage one, is characterized by ambition and determination. It’s the stage to acknowledge your imperfections, fears, shortcoming and weakness. During this stage, we must be mindful that we are not expected to be perfect and nor do we have to pretend to be.
Stage 3: Action, during this stage, we are ready to incorporate activities that are primarily focused on ourselves into our daily routines. The following are a few activities you can incorporate to reach self-love but feel free to include anything that works best for you.
