As everyone is well aware 2020 is not exactly the peak of social interaction. With many unable to leave their homes due to isolation. Schools being closed or on limited time tables and even visiting family members being out of the question if there are more than 6 of you in total. Having social interaction is so important when it comes to daily life. In my last post I spoke about how imaginary play is super important. However I think right now social interaction is even more at the forefront of many peoples minds. So I thought I would give you a few tips on how to make sure you don’t suffer loneliness or lack of social interaction during these difficult times.
Using social media
Now I know this is a little controversial when I say that you should use social media. Many people spend far too many hours on there. Whilst others can’t stand it and try to avoid it. Given the times of today when it is so difficult to mix with others I personally feel that social media has become a little bit of a god send. Isolation can be extremely lonely. It’s tough enough when you are a parent of small children and lose contact with many people due to everyday life. Let alone when the country is in a lockdown and restricted to how many people we can see.
Places such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are a fantastic way of reconnecting with friends or keeping updated on whats happening in their or your lives. You also have the ability to join groups of people with the same interests and hobbies as yourself. Giving you common ground and interaction. Personally myself , I have made many good friends during lockdown purely by just using social media
Video call quizzes
Now if you haven’t been involved in at least 1 zoom quiz during lockdown then I will be super surprised and shocked. They became very popular when it came to keeping people in touch. There are many different group video call platforms out there. Each one giving you the chance to gather a few friends and have some fun. I took part in a quiz not too long ago where it was called the “Covid” quiz. As we started answering the questions we realised that each round had a theme. All of the answers began with a letter from the word Covid. So there were 10 questions where the answers began with C, 10 where they began with O and so on.
Hold a garden party
Garden parties have been a massive part in social interaction for me during lockdown. From the moment we were told 6 people were now allowed to meet up. Myself and 5 friends made a decision to keep our little circle and rotate around each others gardens. Making sure that we all had things in place to ensure social distancing, right down to anti bac wipes to wipe the loo seat after you had been. The parties were strictly kept to the garden unless it was for the toilet. To stick within the guidelines.
We’ve had barbeques, murder mystery nights and even some nights just in front of the fire chatting. Being in lockdown does not mean that you have to completely shut yourself off. The guidelines are there for a reason and as long as you are following them and washing your hands regularly. Keeping a safe distance and not taking it to extremes there is no reason you cant have a small social circle.
Walking
One of the very few things that we have been allowed to do throughout the lockdown is have a form of daily exercise. Walking has been incredibly beneficial to me when it comes to social interaction. In the early days when you was only allowed out of the house for one hour. A walk meant I could see the outside world. People are so friendly and every single time I have been on a walk it has been lovely to see strangers smiling and saying hello as you go past. Taking the kids with their ride on toys, also means that they are burning some energy and getting some much needed fresh air too.
Help is available
If anyone out there is really struggling with the situations we are currently in then there is help out there. You are never completely alone and there is always someone out there who can listen to you. I’ve listed below a few details of people who are willing and able to help. Times are really tough right now, lack of social interaction can have a massive affect on your mental health. Please don’t stay silent and reach out to talk.
Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35 Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)