We are living in a time where that which is supposed to connect us can make us feel more disconnected than ever. Technology makes being confined to our homes more bearable with platforms such as Netflix and social media keeping us occupied and distracted. However, when overloaded with different ways to connect with literally thousands of connections, it can frankly feel rather overwhelming.
So what can you do to stay soulfully, meaningfully connected to those you care about during lockdown?
We cannot pour from an empty cup, and it’s important to really take care of ourselves through this time, so before you consider putting energy out into the universe, the first step is grounding through self care. You can download my Soulful Self Care Guide here to get stuck in. Once you feel like you have some energy to give to others, then you can jump into these 8 ways to connect with those you love...
Let’s start with the obvious - arranging a video call. I think the important point here is that it doesn't have to be for hours. It could be a series of quick, 15 minute catch ups, or one more in-depth call every 2 weeks. Maybe you're someone who LOVES video calling and so you're actually doing one a day (hats off to you!). Whatever works for you is absolutely, positively, 100% enough. For me? I can only emotionally make space for about one 30-45 minute call every week without feeling exhausted. This one is high on my energy-sapping totem pole.
Send voice messages. I started doing this in my car, pre-COVID, as a way to connect with people when I felt overwhelmed with work and travelled a lot. It was perfect to do in my car and works in isolation too! Sometimes we don't have the emotional energy for a full conversation, so sending an update this way will give your people chance to hear your voice and feel more connected to you as an actual human, rather than just words behind a screen. Think about it as a letter, read out loud. Or an extended voicemail. Invite conversation back and say you'd love to hear their voices. It can be so healing.
Start/send a group chat to your friends or family. I was having individual conversations with my family via WhatsApp and realized that we weren't all on the same thread so I merged us together. To keep the conversation going, think about giving yourselves a task every day if flowing conversation isn’t necessarily your thing. My fam and I are now sending each other a selfie a day, keeping up with what we're all doing, and I feel really connected to them as a unit, instead of as individuals.
Write a handwritten letter. As old school as it may seem, it’s sometimes soothing to put technology away… although this could also be an email if you're like me, have no patience and think much faster than you write. Take the time to fill someone in on what's happening in your world. I love jazzing my letters up with quote cards, photos, inspirational postcards that I keep a stack of...anything that makes it a little more interesting. You can add photos to your emails, or include links to posts/resources/blogs/influencers that you love and are giving you all the good vibes during this time.
Send a short individual message to 3 friends saying that you miss and are thinking of them. Make it personal! Ask them an open question to encourage conversation. I want to stress that if you haven't heard from particular friends, it doesn't mean they don't care about you. Most likely they are doing what they can to take care of themselves and are just holding it together in any way they know how. So give them the benefit of the doubt and know that your message could be the ray of sunshine they need on a dark day. One rule of thumb when reaching out to people is to get curious. Don't just recount your life, but ask them open-ended questions about their own.
Send a care package to someone you care about. You could create one from things you already have at home, or send them a gift from an online business you love and want to support. Whatever you choose, make sure to truly think about sending something that THEY would want to receive.
Reach out to parents and teachers who are now at home just to let them know that they are rockstars and they are doing an incredible job. It can be an incredibly difficult time for those transitioning in teaching, whether that's teachers learning how to teach over technology or parents having to home school for the first time. Sometimes, just feeling seen can go a long way in making your people feel supported.
Clear our your social media connections - be super intentional about who you choose to connect with and weed out people who you don't actually connect with personally. It's the perfect time to cleanse and fill your feed with positive messages and positive people.
What ways have you found to stay connected? Share them in the comments below!
