How to Socialize While Practicing Social Distancing

Social distancing urges us to physically disengage from each other. But adjusting your physical interaction doesn’t have to change your social interaction.

Given the spread of COVID-19 we’re now experiencing new work-at-home and e-learning situations and other restrictions on how we physically interact. And with our world in flux due to the rise of coronavirus, we need to continually provide value and feel as connected to others as possible, even as we’re asked to disconnect and practice social distancing.

Maybe you miss the water cooler talk. Or the habitual morning exchange with the coffee barista. As said by Aristotle, “Man is by nature a social animal;” and most of us are used to (and come to rely on) certain daily interaction. And then suddenly that communication is interrupted. Now what?

“Man is by nature a social animal”

Aristotle

While it may not be the same, there are ways to still be sociable with one another and nurture your networks while practicing social distancing. It requires a different mindset and approach to how you foster your relationships, but it can be done. I cannot stress this enough—we need our networks now more than ever! And we need to express kindness, compassion, and strength and hold each other up through our connections.

Here are a few ways to continue to socialize and extend your support to those in your networks:

• Help others – donate your time or food or offer assistance to a neighbor or someone in your community who may be facing a greater challenge than you realize, especially the elderly; picking up items from the store or making a phone call to provide comfort can really make a difference.

• Use FaceTime or another way to have a video call– sending an email or text message is great too, but the visual interaction can be valuable for so many people during this time.

• Create or join an online community – if you’ve unexpectedly taken on the role of homeschool teacher there are many Facebook, LinkedIn, and other online platforms offering guidance and assistance.

• Sign up for an online networking group – again it’s time to turn to your online social networking tools; LinkedIn and Facebook provide many networking groups and activities to choose from where you can interact with others.

• Like, share, and/or comment on a social post – this is a great way to continuously engage with your networks and creates the potential to reestablish lost relationships.

• Join an online book club – there are quite a few to choose from and hopefully one is available to meet your needs, if not consider creating your own.

• Play online games – make your board game night digital or engage in video games against others; it’s a fantastic way to keep your brain sharp and a little friendly competition could be good for a relationship.

• Plan a virtual happy hour – have an online video chat over drinks with friends you normally socialize with or use it as a reason to reconnect and catch up with an old acquaintance.

• Seek and find opportunities to connect – simply reaching out and asking, “how can I help you?” can really go a long way! And you never know, it may result in reconnecting with a dormant tie or facilitate a life-changing introduction.

People need people. And during challenging times your networks are where you turn to for assistance. Sometimes it’s to seek advice or to provide support, or maybe you’re looking for the ear of those who will listen or fulfilling a need to be social. Loneliness has continuously been on the rise even before this and fostering connections can help combat feeling lonely during these days of unpredictability.

While it does affect how you now cultivate relationships, social distancing shouldn’t affect your social capital. It doesn’t mean less socializing; it means reflecting on how you do it. And in the long run, you may find that keeping a distance actually brings your connection to a new level! We’re all adjusting to the changing times—and making changes to how you approach relationship-building will aid in creating a strong foundation for a robust and supportive network.