COVID-19: How to stay connected to family and friends while social
Maintaining a strong connection with loved ones — even from a distance
— is crucial to overall well-being.
All across the country, Americans are taking steps to limit the spread
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. For many, this means following the White
to stay at home as much as possible, avoiding groups of 10 or more
people, and only leaving home when necessary to purchase food or pick
up prescriptions. It also means keeping a distance of at least six
feet between yourself and others while in public, otherwise known as
Although these recommendations have been put in place to protect
public health and limit the spread of coronavirus, social distancing
can be hard on mental health. This is especially the case if you're
self-isolating without the company of a loved one or pet, or if you
suffer from depression or anxiety. It's difficult not to be able to
find comfort in things like a hug from a parent, sharing a meal with
extended family, or chatting over coffee with a friend.
Fortunately, social distancing doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the
mental and emotional benefits of being with others. Modern technology
makes it easier than ever to connect remotely with family, friends,
co-workers and classmates while following social distancing
Here are some smart tips and tools you can use to keep in touch with
the most important people in your life while you practice social
Use video conferencing technology such as Skype, FaceTime or Zoom to
have virtual coffee dates, dinner parties,
or game nights with your loved ones — even if you're miles away.
If you work from home, consider scheduling daily team video chats to
keep everyone feeling motivated, on task and part of the team. (You
can even get everyone together for a virtual happy hour once 5
o'clock rolls around!)
If you attend religious services, many places of worship offer
virtual services via online video streaming.
Join your local neighborhood Facebook group, email list or NextDoor
page to forge connections with your neighbors. Consider forming
volunteer groups to help deliver food or medicine to vulnerable
neighbors who may not be able to run these errands on their own.
If you're feeling otherwise healthy, try to get outside at least
once a day for a walk or brisk jog — as long as you avoid large
gatherings and maintain a six-foot distance between yourself and
others, per social distancing guidelines. Just getting outside and
being amongst others (from a safe distance) can do wonders for your
If you have some extra time on your hands, revive the lost art of
letter-writing and write a friend a message by hand rather than over
email. Writing out your thoughts and feelings on paper can be
therapeutic, and nothing beats the excitement of receiving a
heartfelt, hand-written response in the mail.
Now more than ever, it's important for us all to remember the value of
human connection. While you're practicing social distancing, there are
still ways to treasure the special relationships in your life — even
if you can't be together in person.