By Regents Garden on 12/02/2021 9:00:55 AM
The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and ramping up of social distancing and self-isolation requirements meant many people were suddenly without the regular social contact they were accustomed to. Depending on where you live, you may have experienced isolation for long periods of time, without knowing when it would end. It was (and in some cases, still is) a very unsettling time and one that we have no experience in dealing with.
Isolation and loneliness can have a negative impact on your mental and physical health.
Why It's Important to Stay Connected
You’ve heard it before but perhaps it hasn’t been quite close enough to home to sink in: it’s important to have a social connection with others, in order to maintain your mental health and happiness. Connecting with others helps us feel noticed, part of something bigger than ourselves, and provides us with a sense of belonging.
Social distancing and self-isolation can contribute to feelings of helplessness and fear, and increase anxiety.
Being connected allows us to feel supported, noticed, appreciated and part of the community - even if we can’t physically spend time together.
How to Stay Connected
There are fortunately many ways to stay connected, even when we are physically isolated. Below are a few ideas, which may even spark additional inspiration for you to start something new.
Video Calling
2020 was the year of the video call! Many of us have discovered (or increased) video calling to friends and family. There are existing services, and new ones have popped up. Speaking with friends and family via video can establish a closer connection than simply using the phone - it makes a genuine difference to see someone’s face. Try Facetime, Google Hangouts, House Party, Skype, Zoom… or simply search for “video calling”!
Social Groups Online
There have always been social groups online but with the appearance of the pandemic, even more have popped up. Socialising online is a great way to meet new people and connect over interests you share. Facebook Groups is a great place to start, by searching for a topic that interests you. You can join the group and see if the vibe is something that makes you happy - if you don’t like it, you can leave! Meetup.com also has online options for connecting people who share common interests.
Book Club
Book clubs have traditionally been held in person, but you can also do them virtually! Using email, messenger or messages to stay in touch, you can connect regularly virtually, to discuss your chosen book. Consider encouraging people in the group to eat or drink at the same time. You can either start your own group or join one that already exists!
Watch Party
While you might not be able to get together with friends and family to watch movies, TV or documentaries, you can ‘get together’ virtually to watch something at the same time! Try the “Watch Party” feature on Facebook or the “Netflix Party” feature on Netflix.
Messaging Apps and Groups
A little less demanding and instant than video calling and virtual meetings is messaging apps and groups. Stay in touch with friends and family via apps - messages, messenger, WhatsApp and more. Sharing photos, jokes, even your daily routine can help maintain a connection.
Write Letters
Spending more time indoors has also meant time to explore pastimes we may have let go. Writing letters is a lovely, slow way to stay in touch. Taking the time to sit down, select paper and pen, and write your thoughts onto a page with your recipient in mind is a wonderful way to connect.
Listen to the Radio
Radio is another way of staying connected, in a way that may feel traditional if you haven’t listened for a while! The simple feeling of listening to something, with the knowledge that others are also listening, is a gentle way of staying connected. You can even call a radio talkback show to speak to the announcer and connect with their listeners!
How to Get Help
There are many ways of staying connected and looking after your own physical and mental health. If you find yourself needing more professional help, Lifeline also lists several professional organisations that can offer support if you need it.
When you live in a retirement village, you are surrounded by like-minded people and a supportive community. While Coronavirus has impacted our residents, visitors and facilities, having a community of support has meant a world of connection for everyone involved.
We’d love to discuss how the Regents Garden facilities may be right for you. Please feel free to get in touch for more information and to discuss how we may become part of your life.
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