During stressful or worrying times, many of us look to friends, family or colleagues for support. Good relationships are important all the time. They can help you build a sense of belonging and self-worth, give you the opportunity to share positive experiences and provide emotional support.
We can still be there to support each other during the coronavirus outbreak. We just need to be a bit creative – here are six ideas to stay connected,
1. Call your colleagues
If you’re working from home, call colleagues rather than emailing. Just because you’re not in the same office anymore, it doesn’t mean you have to go without a chat. If you’d usually go for a walk or lunch together in your break, schedule a catch up via phone or video instead.
2. Board, not bored, games
Take some time to connect with other people in your household if you live with others. Why not dust off the deck of cards, board games or old photos?
3. Keep in touch
Use technology to keep in touch with others. Schedule a regular call with your loved ones and arrange catch-ups with people you haven’t spoken to in ages. We’re all going through this together so hearing how others are coping might give you some reassurance and ideas.
Skype your friends and colleagues, set up a family WhatsApp group or FaceTime a loved one. Not everyone has this kind of technology though, so sending a letter could brighten someone’s day.
4. Adapting your plans
Had something fun planned with friends and family? Although you can’t be together in the way you wanted to be, there’s no need to cancel completely. People are finding loads of innovative ways to keep their social lives going. It turns out pub quizzes, catch-ups over coffee and after-work drinks can all be done through a video call!
5. How are you really?
Lots of people are going through a really challenging time, whether that’s working to keep vital services running or dealing with concerns about staying healthy and what might happen in the future. Take the time to check in with each other and find out how someone really is. Having a chance to offload how you’re feeling can really help.
7. Be there for someone
The government is asking people to sign up to be a NHS Volunteer Responder, and one of the tasks they need people to do is make regular phone calls to check in with people who are self-isolating. Both Dorset Council and BCP Council are co-ordinating ways you can help support people in your local area too.
So, whilst we may not be able to connect with each other in ways we normally would, it’s more important than ever to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues. With all sorts of imaginative ways of interacting with others springing up, we may even end up feeling more connected to others!
How are you taking care of your wellbeing?
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