woman sitting outside in social isolation wearing a yellow dress
Image via @xomissdanielle

We’re going on what feels like day 134,789,254 of the pandemic, and while most of us have adjusted to spending more time at home, one thing that’s harder to get used to is less social connection and interaction with others. Gone are long group trips with friends, regular dinner nights out, and even impromptu happy hours. We’re lucky that with technology, social distancing really means physical distancing, but even the best video call is not quite the same as spending time with someone in person. And zoom fatigue is real.

While a recent study showed that, as of now, stay-at-home orders did not significantly increase average loneliness during the pandemic, loneliness has been a growing public health issue. A study by Cigna showed that in 2019, three in five adults considered themselves lonely.

Staying at home is necessary to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but after a few months of only spending time with your immediate household, pets, or plants, isolation may be taking a toll on your mind and body. You might even miss the company of that overly chatty office coworker you had always previously avoided in the hallway. “Lack of social interaction is very detrimental to our mental and physical health,” says Dr. Julian Lagoy, M.D. a psychiatrist with Community Psychiatry. “We are more at risk for depression and loneliness the more we are isolated and the longer the pandemic lasts.”

So now, more than ever, it’s important to maintain social connection, even if that looks different than what you’re used to. Here are a few tips on how to do that.

woman in white halter top, jeans and a hat maintaining social connection via phone
Image via @dianaossers

Use technology to connect with family and friends.

Dr. Lagoy recommends online meetings, phone calls, and playing games online with friends or family. He admits there are limitations to interacting only digitally, but it’s still a way to maintain social connection and a sense of social life. For example, both Jackbox Games and Houseparty allow people to play fun and weird party games while social distancing, and Netflix Party is a Chrome extension that lets you watch Netflix shows and movies with others.

“We are meant to be social creatures and the best type of social interaction is in person,” says Dr. Lagoy. “Video chat is a subpar substitute, but it is safe during this time and better than nothing. It does seem more exhausting, but I am grateful we have the technology to connect and try to remind myself of this.”

Ironically, one thing to be aware of is how social media may impact your mental well-being. A study of undergrads at the University of Pennsylvania showed that the students who limited social media usage to 30 minutes a day had reductions in loneliness and depression compared to the students who didn’t limit their usage. You may have more time now to scroll through all your friends’ Instagram feeds, but like with all things, moderation is key.

two women sitting on steps wearing t-shirts and jeans
Image via @xomelissatovar

Surround yourself with supportive people.

Because our social interactions are more intentional these days, it’s important to evaluate which relationships are truly important to you and your well-being. Make sure the people you see, whether virtually or socially distanced, are ones that bring positivity into your life. This applies whether or not you live alone because even if you live with others, it’s still possible to feel lonely.

“Yes, you can live with many people, but if you are not living with people whom you have a close relationship or friendship with, or you live with people who are unsupportive, you can absolutely feel lonely while in a crowd,” he says. “I would rather live alone and have close friends who are a phone call away than live with 100 people who are not friendly, supportive, and respectful.”

closeup of bride and groom during pandemic wedding
Image via @beneatoncreative

Continue to celebrate important events.

Regular life goes on, even if we’re all in our respective homes. One way to bring a sense of normalcy back is to continue to acknowledge all of life’s moments, big and little, as they come up. “We also should keep celebrating important events such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays albeit virtually. Although in many cases we cannot celebrate together in person, it is still vital to mark hallmark events and celebrate with loved ones in a safe way,” says Dr. Lagoy. Think of it as a way to find creative connections, whether it’s via a Zoom party or a drive-by celebration.

woman maintaining social connection via phone wearing a yellow gingham dress
Image via @sandratewfik

Talk to a professional if you need to.

We’re living in weird, challenging times, and everyone is trying to figure out how to best get through each day. There is no one-size-fits-all solution that will work for everyone, and some days will be better than others. Allow yourself to have emotions and be kind to yourself.

However, if you think what you’re feeling is more than just quarantine blues, talk to someone professional. Advises Dr. Lagoy, “It is normal to feel some sadness during this time, but if you notice problems with sleep, appetite, interest, concentration or have suicidal thoughts, especially continuing for two weeks, it is something more profound than just the blues and you should definitely seek professional help.”

How are you maintaining social connection during the pandemic? Tell us in the comments!

This post is meant for informational purposes only, you should always follow the most up-to-date CDC guidance on COVID-19 protection, and reach out to a medical professional with specific issues.

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.