Thank you Dr. Carol Garfinkle for your insight and recommendations!

First and foremost, isolation has both physical and emotional consequences to wellbeing. 

let’s be clear – even though we call it social distancing, physical distancing does NOT mean emotional distancing, or social isolation.

Here are just a few ideas to keep everyone connected

• Reach out with a call to those you care about. Connect with facetime or zoom and hold a social gathering of friends or family. 
• If you are able, consider offering to shop and deliver food to those who may not have family or resources. Leave groceries on their porch or at their door and have a safe distance (six-foot apart) conversation with them.
• Schedule calls with those you love. For instance, if there are family members in independent, assisted living, or nursing homes, schedule virtual visits with children; calling or video chatting on different days of the week.  This will help with issues of isolation for all involved, as many independent or assisted living facilities or nursing homes are now on lock down.
• Use this opportunity to spend quality time together.  Put your work down and play with your family if you are quarantined with them. Create memorable moments!
• Share humor with friends and family, like funny video clips, mimes, or podcasts.

In our culture, most of us are moving so fast and furiously that we miss time to replenish.  

Because we aren’t commuting, we have the unexpected gift of time for those projects that we haven’t been able to get to like putting pictures in albums or fixing things around the house.   In addition to accomplishing things that need to be done, don’t forget to find balance and care for yourself.

• Get enough sleep
• Exercise is very important to wellbeing so take a hike, a bike ride, or a run for exercise as our gyms, yoga studios, and other fitness programs are closed.

Consider a virtual exercise class.  It’s an opportunity for social emotional connection, as well as a chance to move.

• Allow yourself the time to read, listen to music, write poetry, or make art.  All are worthwhile experiences that feed the soul.
• Look online for opportunities based on your interests.  Enjoy virtual concerts, plays, operas, and creative groups.  
• Share experiences like worship in your faith tradition, meditation groups, sing alongs, and dance parties.
• Learn something new with Podcasts and Ted Talks, or take a virtual class.  

Information is power: Get your news from reliable sources as it will be changing fast Your local press conferences, the CDC, and the World Health Organization (WHO) have the most up to date information

If you find yourself glued to the media, or feeling overwhelmed, consider taking a news break.  

If you find yourself picking up on communal anxiety, you can bet your children will be feeling it too.  Remember: Fear is contagious. Let’s spread Joy not anxiety!  Remember, where your attention goes, energy flows.  

Look for and share inspirational stories.   We all need them!  

You can share your stories here on Inspirited Living!  (make a link to share stories)

We welcome stories from your area, that talk about how people are creating opportunities for Post Traumatic Growth, and we will happily post and share your stories in our newsletter, and here on the website.  

FULL STORY:
Psychologist: Isolate physically but not emotionally from others during crisis | whdh.com