COVID-19 has changed our schools, our supermarkets, and our day-to-day lives. It’s also changed our relationships.
Chances are, there are friends and family members that you’re really missing right now, because you no longer get to see them as often and you normally would. There might also be family members that you feel like you’ve seen too much of, because you’re now stuck in a house with them all day!
But even though our relationships have changed, they aren’t any less important. Here are 6 things you do to strengthen relationships during COVID-19.
1. Check in on people
Especially the extroverts – we’re not ok! But seriously, I’ve made and received more social phone calls the last week than I did all of last year, and it has been awesome.
You’ve probably heard that proverb “a problem shared is a problem halved,” and it’s true! Psychological research has found that sharing your feelings with someone can minimise the levels of stress that you feel.
While sharing what’s going on with someone else might not change the situation, it’s crazy how much it can improve our perspective. So, if you haven’t already, pick up your phone and check in on a family member or friend. We all need each other right now.
2. Find New Ways to Connect
Even though we’re social distancing, there are still plenty of ways to connect with each other. During the past couple of weeks, the Real Talk team have been keeping a lively group chat going, along with plenty of video calls.
It’s not quite the same as being together in person, but it’s still an opportunity to share how we’re going, tell funny stories about life at home, and encourage each other.
What are some ways you can connect with friends and family right now? Maybe it’s as simple as a phone call, but it could something more creative – you could have a virtual dinner date, drop a walkie-talkie to your neighbours, or even play games together online.
3. Brighten Someone’s Day
It feels like every time we turn on the TV or log into social media, all we’re getting is bad news. In the midst of these dark clouds, it can make a big difference in someone’s life if you find a way to brighten their day.
One idea would be to share funny videos or memes in a group chat. A few days ago, one of the Real Talk team shared a great example in the group chat of her baby laughing hysterically every time she made a funny noise. It was a great moment that we never would have experienced if we hadn’t all been working from home.
Another idea would be writing a letter or putting together a care package to send in the mail. It doesn’t matter how old you are, getting something fun in the mail is always a good time. Some rest homes have even launched a “Connecting Generations” program recently, inviting kids to send letters to their elderly residents.
Be on the lookout for little ways to brighten up someone’s day. You might be surprised as just how much it improves your mood as well.
4. Play Games Together
If you’re self-isolating in a house with 3 or more people, you’re one of the lucky ones. As a Real Talk presenter who usually has to travel a lot, I’m thrilled to be getting some quality time at home with my wife. But it’s just the two of us, and two people does not a great boardgame night make!
So, if you’ve got the numbers for some solid boardgame action right now, make the most of it. Or, if Monopoly isn’t your cup of tea, find other games that you can play.
One game that’s keeping a lot of families entertained at the moment is by going on a bear hunt. People all over the country are placing teddy bears in their front windows for people to find. Assemble your “hunting party” and see how many bears you can locate around your neighbourhood.
5. Celebrate a Weird Holiday Together
Check out daysoftheyear.com to find out what to celebrate today. I can promise you that it will be something that is equal parts fun and ridiculous.
World Baking Day? Pull out your baking trays and make some cupcakes. Hug Your Cat Day? Reasonably straightforward. Indoor picnic day? Put some blankets down in the living room, eat some strawberries, and enjoy the air-conditioning. Outdoor picnics are so 2019 anyway.
6. Find Ways to Help Others
One consequence of COVID-19 is that some of the people in our lives need a bit of extra help right now. So, what can you do to lend a hand?
One of our Real Talk team spent three hours on the phone to his mum the other night, helping her set up video chat so that she can still see her friends and family while she’s in isolation.
Maybe you can provide similar tech assistance, or you could run to the store for an elderly neighbour who can’t go him/herself right now, or even donate food to your local foodbank. Even though this time is challenging for a lot of people, it’s also a great opportunity to come together.
Conclusion
With all the social distancing measures in place, it’s easy to feel isolated. But if we’re willing to put in a bit of extra effort, there’s a lot we can do to strength our relationships. We might have to stand at least two metres apart, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reach out to each other with love.
