{"id":242218,"date":"2020-09-17T13:22:28","date_gmt":"2020-09-17T20:22:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/?p=242218"},"modified":"2021-10-06T21:08:28","modified_gmt":"2021-10-07T04:08:28","slug":"social-connection-how-to-cope-with-loneliness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/lifestyle\/social-connection-how-to-cope-with-loneliness\/","title":{"rendered":"Feeling Isolated? Here are 4 Expert Tips for Staying Socially Connected During the Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"woman
Image via @xomissdanielle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We\u2019re 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\u2019s harder to get used to is less social connection and interaction with others. Gone are long group trips<\/a> with friends, regular dinner nights out, and even impromptu happy hours. We\u2019re lucky that with technology<\/a>, 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<\/a> is real.<\/p>\n

While a recent study<\/a> 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<\/a> showed that in 2019, three in five adults considered themselves lonely.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, or plants<\/a>, isolation may be taking a toll on your mind and body. You might even miss the company of that overly chatty office<\/a> coworker you had always previously avoided in the hallway. \u201cLack of social interaction is very detrimental to our mental and physical health,\u201d says Dr. Julian Lagoy, M.D. a psychiatrist with Community Psychiatry<\/a>. \u201cWe are more at risk for depression and loneliness the more we are isolated and the longer the pandemic lasts.\u201d<\/p>\n

So now, more than ever, it\u2019s important to maintain social connection, even if that looks different than what you\u2019re used to. Here are a few tips on how to do that.<\/p>\n

\"woman
Image via @dianaossers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Use technology to connect with family and friends.<\/h2>\n

Dr. Lagoy recommends online meetings<\/a>, phone calls, and playing games online with friends or family. He admits there are limitations to interacting only digitally, but it\u2019s still a way to maintain social connection and a sense of social life. For example, both Jackbox Games<\/a> and Houseparty<\/a> allow people to play fun and weird party games while social distancing, and Netflix Party<\/a> is a Chrome extension that lets you watch Netflix shows<\/a> and movies with others.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are meant to be social creatures and the best type of social interaction is in person,\u201d says Dr. Lagoy. \u201cVideo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ironically, one thing to be aware of is how social media may impact your mental well-being. A study<\/a> 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\u2019t limit their usage. You may have more time now to scroll through all your friends\u2019 Instagram feeds, but like with all things, moderation is key.<\/p>\n

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Image via @xomelissatovar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Surround yourself with supportive people.<\/h2>\n

Because our social interactions are more intentional these days, it\u2019s 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<\/a> into your life. This applies whether or not you live alone because even if you live with others, it\u2019s still possible to feel lonely.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, 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,\u201d he says. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"closeup
Image via @beneatoncreative<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continue to celebrate important events.<\/h2>\n

Regular life goes on, even if we\u2019re all in our respective homes. One way to bring a sense of normalcy back is to continue to acknowledge all of life\u2019s moments, big and little, as they come up. \u201cWe also should keep celebrating important events<\/a> such as birthdays, weddings<\/a>, 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,\u201d says Dr. Lagoy. Think of it as a way to find creative connections, whether it\u2019s via a Zoom party<\/a> or a drive-by celebration<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"woman
Image via @sandratewfik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Talk to a professional if you need to.<\/h2>\n

We\u2019re 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<\/a> and be kind to yourself.<\/p>\n

However, if you think what you\u2019re feeling is more than just quarantine blues, talk to someone professional. Advises Dr. Lagoy, \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

How are you maintaining social connection during the pandemic? Tell us in the comments!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re 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\u2019s 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… Read more »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":138,"featured_media":242232,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42077],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-242218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Maintain Social Connection During a Pandemic - Lulus.com Fashion Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Maintaining social connection is more important than ever, even if it looks different than what you're used to. 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