Staying connected while keeping your distance

We all know that humans are social creatures. Our species evolved in groups that relied on one another for food and basic needs for survival. Thousands of years later, the way we rely on others has changed as a global society, but our need for human connection has remained a constant. Being social helps to alleviate depression, stress and anxiety, and can put circumstances into perspective.

Here are some ways to not feel as isolated while staying healthy during this period of uncertainty.  

For once, the upside to social media is evident with all of the avenues to connect with people other than face-to-face. Maybe the person you’re caring for hasn’t seen photos of the grandkids in a while. If they need assistance, help them navigate Facebook or Instagram, or message the grandkids to send photos directly. Better yet, call or Skype with the people you want to connect with, and have your senior do the same. Hearing someone’s voice can be comforting and help t0 get through hard times together. 

The messaging application, WhatsApp, is also useful for staying up to date on family matters near and far. All you need is an internet or network connection to keep in touch. 

To connect the old-fashioned way, you could pen a letter for the person you’re caring for, or write one to them. It’s unknown how long these measures will last to keep the virus at bay, so you might as well take the time to craft some written words. 

Take the opportunity to slow down, and do things you normally wouldn’t prioritize as a caregiver, such as self-care. Caretakers often put others first before themselves, and health can take a toll in this way. Go for a long walk- while maintaining the recommended six feet of distance from others- decompress, and make healthy meals with the people you share a home with if deemed safe to do so.  

The body needs rest, and the healthier your immune system, the less likely it is that you’ll contract an illness.

Channel the wisdom of Mr. Rogers, and think of your neighbor when taking staple items from grocery store shelves. It’s a global pandemic and everyone is affected. It’s wise to be prepared, but the more 24-packs of toilet paper a person stocks up on, the less chance the next person will be able to find some once they run out of their supply. Uncertain times like these can remind us how connected we are to the rest of humanity, and how a person’s actions can work its way down the chain to affect someone else.

Read the news to stay updated, and then move on! Break out a board game, shuffle some cards, or watch a movie with the family. It’s a good time to just relax and take advantage of having not much to do. Try not to make worrying a full time job! And if you can’t help it, a challenging board game can be a good distraction. 

It may sound cheesy, but connecting with our own selves is important too, whether as caregivers, or the ones receiving the care. This time can be an opportunity to slow down, self- reflect, and focus on the ones we love and spending time with them if it’s safe to do so. We’ve all gotten used to operating at full-speed most of the day. By now, it’s recommended for most us to work from home and limit in-person contact. Though it may be stressful to think about what lies ahead, focus on what you can do personally, and then enjoy some downtime. 

Resources and more information in relation to the coronavirus pandemic for those in the Seattle area: 

-Delay payment or discount a utility bill through the city

-For those without healthcare, WA state opened its enrollment period again

-A state resource list for workers and businesses affected that’s consistently updated