These moments of uncertainty can become a tremendous burden to those without a good support system, especially with people who have put themselves safely in lengthy and total isolation from their family/loved ones, their co-workers and friends. If there is someone in your life that lives alone and has been self quarantining themselves for weeks on end, remember to make them a priority on your list of daily activities. Here are a few ways to encourage someone in your life while supporting yourself.
Stay Connected
Reach out to family members. co-workers or friends as often as you can. Daily calls are terrific or you can use a product like Zoom at https://zoom.us/signup or Facebook Messenger for face to face virtual dinners, date nights, girl’s night out, family celebrations, craft time, etc. Show someone how important they are to you and let them know that you will be planning for this activity just like you would for any face to face adventure. Take a shower, put on some fresh, clean clothes and a touch of makeup (if that’s what you’d normally do). This may motivate them to do the same! And remember, compliments can go a long way when someone you love isn’t handling these extraordinary times as easily as you would hope, so give them out freely.
What about sharing a workout class, an online yoga practice or a virtual meetup for a bike ride on your stationary bikes together. Schedule these sessions on a routine basis; you will feel motivated, they may feel a sense of accountability and together you can escape reality for a bit and get your bikini bodies just in time the summer!
Hand Written or Purchased Greeting Cards
When was the last time you actually sent a hand written greeting card to someone to let them know you are thinking about them? With so much technology at our fingertips, hand written cards and letters have gone by the wayside. I promise, it will brighten both your day as well as theirs! Be sure to add thoughtful words and something out of the blue such as a pressed flower, a photo of the two of you from grade school, sand from the beach, glitter or a fortune cookie ribbon/Dove Chocolate foil that will give them a laugh or a kind word. Have school age kids? Ask them to join you with their markers, finger paints, magazines for cutouts, glitter and glue. It’s a great opportunity for family time and your cards will be mementos that will make someone smile and cherish for a lifetime.
Acknowledge the Situation
Oftentimes, it feels easier to ignore a person’s situation. While it’s important not to focus or dwell on their concerns, ignoring someone’s struggle could make them feel more alone than ever. Remember, it’s important to stay sensitive to their triggers and to remain cognizant of your actions and words. Listen to them, give them space to share but do what you can to keep the conversation light. Have a list of topics to talk about if you think there may be too much awkward silence.
We can get through this together. Together we are stronger.