How to stay connected in a disconnected world

6 feet, hidden smiles and less hugs. It feels in the midst of this a pandemic there might be a new symptom emerging...disconnection.

Whether you’ve been infected with the illness or not this symptom seems to be pervasive throughout communities and homes. So the question lies, is there a remedy?

Here are 3 things you can do to feel more connected in this disconnected time.

Outdoor cardio vascular activities with family/ friends.

While it still may require a mask, depending on what you’re doing or who you’re with. But research has shown that exercise increases our serotonin (also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) which helps with mood regulation along other things. Also, new research, published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity, investigated the benefits of 20-minute exercise sessions on the body’s immune system. So call up a friend or family member and plan a safe outdoor activity. Boost your mood and immune system while connecting over a mutual sweat.

Plan a Zoom Hangout.

Months ago an online platform like zoom was hardly a house hold name. Today, millions are signing on and conducting business, taking classes and even preforming medical appointments. However Zoom doesn’t have to be…so serious. Happy hour, coffee dates, family meet up’s all can be organized and executed on platforms like these. While you might still be missing the face to face contact, meet up’s like these can be one way to feel connected to the ones you love when options are limited. Check out here for some fun virtual games you and your zoom party can play.

Re-Connect with yourself

Take a deep breath. Really try it. Now one more. Remember in the midst of this chaos that you are still here. You’re still in your body. You still have your breath. One advantage to COVID could be the increase in online options out there for reconnecting us to our bodies. Many studios are doing free online yoga classes. Palousemindfulness has a free Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course. These options now available may help bring us back into connection with ourselves, which can penetrate outward to our community making us feel more connection

Remember, nothing in life is constant. As Rumi so elegantly puts it

“yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I want to change myself”.

If you are feeling down, lost, disconnected or in need of some change remember we are here for you at Connections Counseling. Offering both in person and tele-health sessions.

Stacy SheridanAugust 3, 2020