How we’re staying CONNECTED

There’s no doubt that social distancing has taken a toll on our collective mental health. Being physically separated from other people can lead not only to loneliness, but also to stress, anxiety and depression in both adults and children.

In late 2020, the American Psychological Association published the results of a poll of 1,800 psychologists:

74% said they were seeing more patients for anxiety, and 60% said they were seeing more patients for depression compared to before the pandemic.

While those numbers are certainly noteworthy, there is some empowering news for those feeling the ill effects of prolonged quarantining: Researchers have found

that how connected you feel is determined internally more than it’s influenced by whether you are in the physical presence of other people.

So while there’s no denying the emotional boost you get from a hug, many of the clever ways we’ve found to foster connectedness over the last year really can be as good for our mental health as being “together.” If you need new ideas for strengthening your own sense of connectedness, try some

of these creative ways the Healthy You team has joined up with others during the pandemic:

If you can hang out

in person …

“I walk with my friend/ neighbor once or twice a week. We grab coffee in the neighborhood, wear masks and catch up.” “We have socially distanced bonfires.”

“We have drinks on the porch. Neighbors walk by and it sometimes turns into a little outside happy hour.”

“We’ve rediscovered local parks for hiking, biking and skateboarding. Even my 24-year-old is skateboarding with his younger siblings all the time now, so there’s more family bonding than ever!”

If you want to shake up your

virtual meet-ups …

"I dropped off birthday ‘kits’ to a few of my daughters’ friends with some favors, a couple of activities and a cupcake. Then we had a virtual party.” “My friends and I started a Zoom book club.” “I do live online exercise classes or group workouts with friends where we take turns planning the routine.”

“A couple of friends and I have a group text that has taken on new importance over the last year. We also use extended family group texts.”

“We use game packages and apps like Jackbox and Houseparty to play games with multiple friends at once (they have kid-friendly filters so little ones can join in). Online escape rooms are fun, too!” “We attend online concerts and TV or movie watch parties.”

“I did a virtual wine tasting with a friend.”

“We celebrate birthdays and holidays using Zoom, Google Meet or Houseparty. We drop off or send gifts in advance then open them onscreen.”

For those craving a creative outlet …

“I have some artist Facebook groups who mail a journal around to different people who each add their own contribution, then pass it on. Eventually, it comes back to you full of art.”

“We orchestrated a recipe challenge where two couples or families make their own versions of the same meal. We leave it on each other’s porch and try both versions then chat about what we like about each recipe.” “We create chalk sidewalk art for people. Our neighbor was coming home with a new baby, so we colored their sidewalk.”

“The kids color or make something for a family member and we take pictures of it and text it to them.”

“Some of our neighbors are professional musicians, and they will open their windows and doors and play music, inviting people to attend, socially distanced, on their front lawn. Everything from classical piano to string quartets to rock.” “Sometimes we call grandma and grandpa in the car right after school pickup so the kids can talk about their day while it’s ‘fresh’ in their head.”

“Some of my friends and I have sent gifts to the others’ children on behalf of our children, or even sticker exchanges or photos. Kids love getting real mail.”