Making Connections in the Era of Social Distancing

How are you doing? That question carries much more meaning than it once did. The question is often used as a greeting or a cordiality following the customary “hi or hello.” We asked it without really wanting to know the answer. The expected answer to the question would be “I’m good,” “we’re good,” or just “good.” Few of us expected or wanted a monologue about another’s life struggles.

Many moons ago, my high school Spanish teacher shared an interesting observation. She said that Americans never expect a detailed answer to the question “how are you doing.” We say it as a courtesy. She admonished us to be prepared for a detailed answer if we travel to another country or use it to greet persons while living in a different culture.

Social distancing as a response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has shifted this dynamic. Strangers are greeting each other with “how are you doing” and actively listening for and to the answer. Family and friends are maintaining contact more often using phone calls, video conferencing and letters. I received a beautiful card from a social work colleague who lives in New York, reminding me to breathe.

The following statement was taken from the medicalnewstoday.com article “What are the health benefits of being social?”

Psychologist Susan Pinker states that direct person-to-person contact triggers parts of our nervous system that release a “cocktail” of neurotransmitters tasked with regulating our response to stress and anxiety.
In other words, when we communicate with people face-to-face, it could help to make us more resilient to stress factors in the long run.

Work from home mandates make connecting with colleagues more difficult. For some, work provides their primary source of social interaction. The inability to experience the physical presence of others may increase one’s stress or anxiety. “Research suggests a positive correlation between social interaction and health,” according to the National Institute on Aging a division of the National Institute of Health. The article focuses on the “significant adverse effects” on older adults. It also suggests that loneliness as a risk factor impacts middle aged adults as well.

The desire to physically connect with others has brought out the best in many of us. People are using creative ways to interact. We see videos of neighbors leaving their homes at designated times to dance, sing or exercise together. Neighbors stand 6 feet apart chatting and catching up. Acquaintances throw “air hugs” at each other in the grocery store.

Virtual meetups have become a popular way to connect during this era of social distancing. Although they do not satisfy the desire for physical proximity, virtual meetups allow social contact. Here are a few examples of ways to use virtual meeting technology other than for work.

Virtual Water Cooler:

While working from home, set a regular time to meet a colleague and talk for about 10 minutes. That’s about the same amount of time you might spend in the employee break room talking. Keep the time short. The interaction can energize you by keeping the tone of the conversation positive.

Virtual Happy Hour:

Think about it. You don’t have to drive home, be the designated driver, take Uber or call Lyft.

Virtual Workout:

Gyms and fitness centers are offering virtual classes. Invite your colleagues or friends to join you, virtually of course. If the gym is not your thing, ask friends or colleagues to join you on Facetime and go for a walk of run.

Virtual Game Night:

It may be difficult to play Uno or Dutch Blitz virtually, but board games or visual games like charades or Pictionary can be played virtually.

For the next few weeks, M.L. Bailey Consultants is hosting the Nighttime Live Experience. Every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday night at 9 pm we will do a livestream presentation to support our community as we all deal with the stress caused by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Learn simple ways to fall asleep easily, sleep through the night and wake up well rested.

“I work with hard-working professionals who want to be happy. I would love to hear from you.” You may join the conversation by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page M.L. Bailey Consultants. You may also connect with me on LinkedIn.