We Are Social Creatures And We Require Human Connection

We have been social distancing for a couple of weeks and even for introverts, it can start to feel lonely. We are social creatures. All of us. We create meaning in groups. We have an identity in groups. We are tethered and grounded in our interactions with people. Right now, those things have been ripped away from us.

Socializing is necessary for your mental health

But even in these times, socializing is crucial for your mental health. Human beings are social creatures by nature, and we thrive on connection and interaction. So, let's explore why socializing is essential for your well-being. Firstly, engaging in social activities helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are known risk factors for mental health issues. By connecting with others, we create a support system that provides emotional comfort and a sense of belonging. Moreover, socializing boosts our mood and overall happiness by releasing feel-good chemicals in our brains. It provides an opportunity to laugh, share experiences, and create memories. Additionally, social interactions offer a fresh perspective and help us learn from others, fostering personal growth and resilience. So, make an effort to prioritize socializing in your life. Whether it's joining a club, attending social events, or simply catching up with friends over a cup of coffee, the benefits to your mental health are worth it. Embrace the power of social connections and watch your well-being flourish!

Even if we can't be physically near people, it does not mean we have to be in solitary confinement. That will feel like torture. In fact, it is not coincidence that they use solitary confinement as a means of punishment for prisoners. But this is not prison (though it sometimes feels like a prison of the mind). If you are feeling lonely during the coronavirus pandemic, what can you do to connect with people?

Ideas to Help You Connect While Social Distancing

Zoom Party

This works for birthday parties, happy hours, trivia. You name it, it can be done over zoom, or FaceTime, or any other virtual tool made for meetings.

Socially Distant Walk

You can walk with someone else keeping at least a 6 foot distance between you. It is also nice to walk around alone and just observe other people from a distance. Seeing people walk their puppies is almost guaranteed to make you feel better.

Netflix Party

You can watch television shows or movies at the same time as friends on Netflix with Netflix Party. This allows all your friends to comment on the screen while watching the programming. My daughter just watched Ferris Bueller's Day Off with friends in this format. Her dad and I embarrassed her by quoting lines from the film.

Virtual Board Game

Set up your Monopoly or other board game in your home and have friends or family members set one up wherever they are. It's really.

Good Old Fashioned Phone Calls

Thankfully our phones still work and we have more time than ever to speak. You know your parents and grandparents would love to hear from you. In fact, I bet a lot of people would like to hear from you.

Neighborhood Activities

I have been seeing some pretty cool sidewalk/driveway chalk art when I go for walks around my neighborhood. This is a great activity to do with you kids and it is fun for others to see when they walk by. I have also seen people putting teddy bears in the windows and kids will go around and count the number of bears they find as a contest to see who can find the most. There is a sweetness to this kind of communal activity that I think brings people together at a time when they feel so disconnected.

Connect With People In Your Home.

You can cook together, have a dance party, play a board game, go for long walks, have a drink on your patio, or do a movie marathon. Connection within your home can be very meaningful and is the safest way to get your social needs met.

This is not an exhaustive list. There are lots of ways to connect. Be creative. Use platform and mediums in new ways. Challenge yourself to connect with the outside world (in a socially distant way) a little bit every day. Your spirit needs it. I would love to hear what you are doing to stay in touch with people you care about. Be safe and look out for your mental health.