Are you over staying at home or are you getting in the groove of the WFH (Working From Home) routine?
For me, over the last few days the reality of our new normal has really started to settle in and I am understanding more everyday how much I value connecting and interacting with others.
In the “old normal” my daily routine was different everyday depending on which client or what project I was working on that week. My usual out and about seeing and talking with others most of the day routine has been replaced with mostly sitting at my laptop talking with only a handle full of people during the week.
Don’t get me wrong, I am very grateful for the ability to work with clients remotely. The virus has forced me to pivot to create new virtual design services. Theses new services are an exciting and different way to keep projects going and to open up my services to new clients in expanded geographic areas who previously would not have considered virtual consultations or design coaching packages.
But still the home all the time cabin fever creeps in. Going for walks is really helpful but it’s been raining daily. Yoga helps when I actually get on the mat but a back injury flaring up stopping my progress. And though my husband and I have happy marriage, being at home together 24/7 is not our norm. “Spousal Fatigue” is a real thing.
To combat the routine of daily life and to attempt to have something somewhat social to look forward to at the end of the day, and week, I have embraced Zoom Happy Hours and FaceTime chats with friends and family. I read that Zoom stock has more than doubled since February 2020 when most countries had begun coronavirus quarantine orders. I am not sure by how much the usage has increased but I do know we have all embraced the virtual birthday party and work happy hours with out question.
Without exception, during each call someone says “why didn’t we do this before!”. Or “we really need to do this again.” 30 minutes here, an hour there, these calls and chats have become the bright spot on my calendar. They are keeping me in touch with loved ones who can’t leave home but also they have added a new opportunity to connect with friends who live in different states and time zones.
Why we didn’t think of this before we have no idea. Perhaps it would have felt impersonal before the virus but now it is literally the most personal we can be while staying home.
Psychology Today found that “Social connection strengthens our immune system, helps us recover from disease faster, and may even lengthen our life.” Which seems incredibly important these days. And to top it off they go on to say “People who feel more connected to others have lower rates of anxiety and depression.” Again, all things we could all use during this time.
So my question is, how are you connecting with others? What new ways are you finding to keep friendships going? Zoom? FaceTime? Drive by porch visits?
Or are you bringing back the “old” ways of connecting? Phone calls? Writing letters?
Today’s challenge is to choose 3 people who you will commit to connecting with this week.
- Write three names down in your planner, notebook or PostIt note.
- Using a quick and easy method such as text, email or phone, quickly reach out today and let them know you would like to schedule a call, Zoom or faceTime and want to pick a date and time this week.
- Write down the date and time in your planner or digital calendar.
- Repeat for all 3 names on your list.
- Grab your favorite beverage, chat and connect away!
If you are feeling up to it add three more new connections next week. Keep in mind you can always group friends and family together for chats and connect en masse.
So get going and connect with old and new friends this week and enjoy all the benefits of connecting with others!
XO –
Krayl
**PLEASE NOTE – This article is part of the Dwell Well Mini-Series. If you are landing here from another source please visit the Dwell Well Mini-Series information page here to learn more.
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