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This week, primary and secondary schools across the country closed or shifted to online learning. Thousands of college students said goodbye to friends, professors, and campuses, and packed their things and headed home, or wherever they could stay for an extended period. Seniors at Wellesley College, my alma mater, donned their graduation gowns on the last day of in-person classes—a tradition typically reserved for the last day of classes. Many students will not have the opportunity to walk at a commencement ceremony to celebrate their achievements. 

Employees whose jobs allow have largely taken up remote work. Everyone has been encouraged to avoid public spaces when possible, and a select few cities have instituted “shelter in place” policies restricting residents to their homes except for activity deemed essential. These are just a few of the extraordinary changes that have taken place this week in the U.S. due to COVID-19 — a nation for which such level of disruption to our daily lives is unprecedented for most of us in modern times. 

The go-to term to describe these changes has been “social distancing.” Last week, The Winters Group’s usually-remote team had the rare opportunity to be together in person as we processed all of the shifts on the horizon. One thing we all agreed on was that “social distancing” is not the best terminology; instead, we decided that we would encourage our clients, family, and friends to practice physical distancing and social connection. 

“Social distancing” is not the best terminology; instead, we decided that we would encourage our clients, family, and friends to practice physical distancing and social connection. Click To Tweet

Change is difficult even in the best of times, and there is so much uncertainty associated with current events that this is only exacerbated right now. The global economy is in peril, leaving many fearful about the future. Many of us are feeling very emotional—and we need more, not less social connection and support in times like these. Though I have lived across the country from my family for years and am accustomed to this, last week, I found myself suddenly emotional, wishing I could be with them. Part of this was not knowing when I could (physically) see them next. 

Loneliness, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, anger, and sadness are just a few of many challenging emotions many of us are dealing with right now—and while it is important for public health reasons to limit our physical contact with others, we are fortunate to have technology on our side to support alternative forms of connection. 

While it is important for public health reasons to limit our physical contact with others, we are fortunate to have technology on our side to support alternative forms of connection. Click To Tweet

Here are a few suggestions for practicing social connection along with physical distancing: 

  • Schedule a check-in with colleagues: Consider adding a brief meeting to your weekly calendar to touch base on how everyone is doing, and what they may need in terms of understanding or support during these times. Alternately, allow the opportunity to start already-scheduled meetings with a check–in like this. 
  • Call friends and family: Make a list of people you’ve been meaning to catch up with and give them a phone or video call when you’re craving connection. Share your challenges and fears or find something to laugh about. They’ll appreciate hearing from you too! 
  • Offer help where you can: Reach out to loved ones to offer help and support. Do you have supplies to spare? Can you send a meal? Create artwork? Send money to someone who currently has no income? 
  • Go outdoors: Take a walk in your neighborhood, go for a hike, or meet a friend for a game in the park. It’s important to maintain distance from others, but most outdoor activities are safe, and getting fresh air and sunlight is important! 

Even when you aren’t able to connect with others, be sure you are allowing yourself to practice self-care. Choose outfits that make you feel good, work out a home exercise routine you enjoy, allow yourself time to rest, take a bath or shower, make a favorite food, re-read a book you love, or start a show you’ve been wanting to check out (maybe even try Netflix Party, a chrome extension that allows you to watch shows in tandem with friends!) 

In a time that social media has been scorned by many as a medium for hatred and polarization over real connection, I am hopeful that this crisis will bring out the best in people and change the way we engage virtually. Together, we’ll get through this—even if from afar. 

I am hopeful that this crisis will bring out the best in people and change the way we engage virtually. Together, we’ll get through this—even if from afar. Click To Tweet