Staying Connected In a Socially Distant World
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 2:46pm
As most of us in Nevada are starting out our second week of being socially distant and staying at home for Nevada, some of us may be starting to feel the mental effects of being isolated. We may feel lonely, tired of our isolation mates (no matter how much we love our families), and/or craving the social connection that comes from going to our jobs and offices as we work from home and remotely or not working due to being classified as non essential.
Let’s face it, most humans are very social beings and losing those connections and opportunities to see other people can make an impact on our mental health. With that in mind here are some ideas to help us still stay connected and also retain a sense of community in our new socially distant world.
Some of these ideas have come from social media and apps like NextDoor and Facebook and some were ideas implemented by my own social circle.
Let’s Have A Bear Hunt!
Kids can feel the same social isolation and effect on their mental health as adults, they are remote learning now and missing the school connections and play dates. The whole community can come together and provide a family friendly yet socially distant activity simply by putting a Teddy Bear in your front window of your home. Moms and Dads can grab the kids, go for a walk around the neighborhood and have a bear hunt. Children can keep track of how many bears they spot on their walk! This activity is trending on NextDoor right now and neighbors are suggesting to have it implemented by next week, when our weather may be a little warmer and more friendly to a neighborhood walk.
Hearts to Say Thank You!
Along the same lines as a Bear Hunt – show your community support of our emergency and health workers by putting a heart in your window as well, Carson City has implemented Blue Lights to show support for our law enforcement officers in troubling times, and now we can show support for members of our community at the greatest risk, simply by letting them know we care and saying thank you by putting hearts in our windows!
Let’s ZOOM!
Zoom is not only an effective tool for remote working but is an excellent way to maintain social connections. Set up a Zoom meeting with your friends and enjoy a virtual cocktail party, a work out session, yoga meeting or just a chat! Don’t like Zoom? Try Google Hangouts or any other virtual meeting tool!
Have A Virtual Dinner Party!
With #TAKEOUTTUESDAY becoming a national trend, get a group of friends together, order your takeout, curbside or delivery from the same place and set up your Zoom, Google Hangout or Facetime meeting and enjoy a dinner party all while practicing social distancing and self isolation.
It’s a Driveway Toast!
Recently neighbors in the Timberline area set a day and time and all had a socially distant meeting by grabbing a beverage of their choice, walking to the edge of their driveways and raising a toast to our new temporary reality. Consider connecting with your neighbors and trying the same thing, because remember, even though we are isolating, we are still all in this together!
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