Stay connected, always!
We humans are social beings. We feel elated when we share – food, stories, day’s happenings and more – with others. Many of our actions, we perceive, is to not just benefit us but also our loved ones. There is more meaning to our life when our accomplishments benefit others. We need family and friends, we need conversations, laughter and love. We stay in touch, meet often, and celebrate festivals, accomplishments, and new ventures together. We want people we love to be a part of our joy as much as we want to be a part of theirs.
Although there are times when we need solitude, staying connected to people is what keeps us going. Even the most introverted people crave social connection from time to time. Since the pandemic started, however, we have all been struggling to stay connected. We are forced to be in zero or minimal contact with people we normally socialise with outside our homes, which is a state that cannot be accepted. It is even harder for those who live alone or in different cities from their families and friends.
While there is nothing like face-to-face interactions and physical presence, we are coping with new norms and learning to make do with minimal contact. While we are not sure what the future really holds, at present, it is important to stay connected. We are a creative species and live in times when one can connect to someone on the other side of the planet in a matter of seconds. And making the best of the technology to stay in touch is our prerogative.
Choose to Stay in Touch
It has never been more important to stay in touch, to not only keep your spirits high but also of others. Family, friends are part of our social structures because we love and support each other. Each time you connect to someone, you reaffirm that you care. You put out the positive energy, and it is likely that you’ll receive it back. If you haven’t heard from someone you are used to conversing with, be it a friend, colleague or a neighbour, reach out to them. Maybe you’ll help them from detaching themselves from the social circles.
Being a Social Species
For many of us, to be healthy, we need social interactions with family, friends and people we meet in day-to-day life. Studies show that the longevity of our lives depend on how well-connected we are to the people in our lives. Spending time with loved ones, staying connected with ones who are physically far, maintaining relationships with extended family, friends are all essential for healthy and happy living. Even the hearty chat we have with the security or the delivery person makes a difference. These interactions release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine which we steadily need for our well-being.
Figure Out Ways to Stay Connected
- Schedule voice and video calls with friends and family
- Maintain a text chain about health etc., with loved ones and close friends individually and in groups
- Start virtual activities like reading a book, cooking, watching TV shows or exercising and keep each other posted
- When you step out, take your friends or family on a virtual tour or join them when they are out
- Write letters, emails to those who are drifting apart
- Celebrate little things and invite close ones to virtually join in
- Volunteer and help people in need however you can
- Engage with all age groups in your circles
- Organise lunch or dance dates
- Connect with colleagues for a coffee-break chat
- Replace binge-watching time with virtual meet-ups
Being social has helped our species thrive. It helps us be happier, learn better, live healthier and adds purpose to life. Staying in touch will help you release stress, no matter what you talk about. Could be sports, politics, life, career, children or future. It helps you accept the present better and spread hope and joy.