SOCIAL
self-care
Tips & Ideas
1.
Make a coffee/meal/drinks date to get some quality one-on-one time together, or browse other ideas for things to do and ways to stay connected.
2.
Bring back pen-pals! Writing and receiving letters today can feel like a special occasion, so it could be a fun way to stay in touch despite distance.
3.
Go on a date. Use an app, or have a friend set you up, and have fun meeting new people.
4.
Join a group or class that shares your interests as a way to meet other people while doing something you already find rewarding. Having scheduled activities can be helpful.
5.
Calling on your established support systems, like biological or chosen family, is always an option.
6.
Use social media in positive ways to connect with others - for example, some platforms make it easier to reach out to someone you haven't heard from in a while.
7.
Don't forget about setting healthy boundaries. If you notice there are people who affect you negatively, you can take steps to address the issue and move towards the relationship you want.
Connect through relationships
Everyone needs different amounts and types of social interaction, but the need to connect with others through healthy relationships is a near-constant. Social connection can help create a sense of community and belonging, combat loneliness and isolation, and just make us feel good. Intentionally choosing to engage more with those that bring out our best can help us nurture and deepen our relationships, instead of scheduling social activities just to tick off the "be social" checkbox (although this is also a fine place to get started!).
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Trying to maintain social connection during times of social distancing can also bring up lots of hard feelings - virtual experiences aren't the same as those in real life. Making room for those feelings and taking the best available action with our goals in mind can help us move in a productive direction. Check out our acceptance and values-guided living strategies to learn more.
