The power of connection and how to do it more during (and after) covid times!
The year 2020 saw the beginning of the Covid pandemic which has changed the way in which many people are living their lives and will continue to do so for the foreseeable. Each person being affected differently, some incredibly fortunate in their circumstances and others not so much. There were those who are surrounded by family with employment and no vulnerable relatives to look after. For others, they may have been alone with limited connection to human contact, some out of work, others forgotten for whatever reason and the list goes on. Covid-19 has definitely not been kind and some are probably finding it easier to manage than others, depending on their unique set of circumstances.
Pre covid there were already so many things which were not working particularly well in society and potentially only those affected by them would have an awareness of this (dependent on how wide peoples eyes are to things) and Covid-19 has certainly exasperated them. There were people who were already feeling on the outskirts of society through lack of representation, funds or connection, amongst so much more. With all the challenges Covid-19 has brought over last year and its continuation, alongside all the desperate stories there are brilliant initiatives and people coming together with remarkable resilience too.
As soon as Covid-19 hit we saw an outpouring of help within their communities and what seemed like a more collective understanding of some biggest issues and those most affected by them. It was what I imagined living in the 1950’s might have been like with people seeming to genuinely care about their neighbours, loved ones and fellow man. There were stories of social and voluntary groups being formed, people donating their time, money and essentials to those they didn’t know but empathised with, to the more fun and social elements, although virtually, of course, such as singing groups, cookery classes, live art tours and you name it, I saw a group for it.
If there is one thing which has definitely been highlighted with Covid is the need and importance for human connection, community and communication, for our physical and mental wellbeing. Something which perhaps pre Covid was being dismissed more than it really should have been. It has brought a lot more focus onto things which in my eyes are incredibly important anyway but Covid brought it to the forefront.
There were so many things I noticed when Covid-19 began to take hold and for this little snippet I’ll talk about all the positive ones (although, not to forget the negatives too!).
There was a lot more focus on being outside and it’s benefits
People started using their daily exercise to move more
There was a sense of communities coming together and people wanting to help.
Some shopped for their elderly neighbours and most vulnerable
People were looking out for one another more
Green spaces were used more and nature became cool again
Art, creativity and music became a vital tool for entertainment and relaxation in tough times
For some, connecting to others can be more difficult, in pre covid times and covid times, personality, circumstances and resources dependent. It maybe something some need or enjoy more than others. Whatever the level of need, it is definitely something which will have its benefits in many different ways, mentally, physically and those things trickle into many other areas of our lives too. There are a few to feel more connected; we can start by feeling more connected to ourselves, nature and others. If the mix is balanced and done well, then the outcome will hopefully be a good one.
In covid times, having this connection can be very challenging but needs to be sought out because of its benefits. There are times when I have craved going out or having a random conversation with someone about nothing in particular but at present those random meetings are more limited. The good thing is there are still ways we can seek out connection until we can actually connect for real again.
Here are some ideas of how to feel more connected.
Make use of the daily walks, cycling or exercise
Explore your area, find a walk and take in the sounds of the birds, changes in the leaves and shoots sprouting
Take an online fitness class. This can be a great thing if you want to do something collectively but don’t want to see each others faces online. There are many options for instagram lives or youtube challenges.
Seek out some of your interests and explore them. Join a webinar, bookclub, learn something new through Future learn or similar.
If going online for connection is not an option, then try something new, just for you and connect to yourself more. Some ideas are reading, drawing, taking up crochet, knitting or a craft.
Do something fun - learn to hula hoop, skip or do yoga
Take up a craft
Try a virtual quizzes
Write to a friend or loved one
Put your phone down and relax. Sometimes too much social media can actual make us feel less present and disconnected, so put down the phone and enjoy the NOW!
Take up a challenge, there are so many online, choose something you enjoy and do it everyday. A personal favourite is Yoga with Adrienne.
Get into the garden, tend the soil and make room for spring. There is a lot to be said for being outside and feeling connected.
Pick up the phone and have a chat
Here are a few resources from other sites