Well-being during times of social distancing
During the COVID-19 pandemic social distancing can take a toll on all of us, especially those who live alone and those who are elderly. That’s why it important to find ways to keep in contact during this very difficult time for everyone. Loneliness in normal times is in itself a global challenge and even more so in today’s environment.
Have a chat
There’s comfort and joy in hearing a friend or family member’s voice. Share anecdotes, past memories and new memories on coping with the new world order and how collectively we’re trying to adapt and enjoy this unique time in our lives.
If you would like a chat about how we could help you at this time, please give us a call and we can discuss magnifiers or devices that can read books and other documents to you. If you have no functional vision, we have devices that can produce documents in braille or read them to you. Whatever your preference for reading, we have something available.
Technology is your friend
There are many options in this digitally connected world using just your phone or computer. One of the simplest ways is to phone a friend or relative to just catch up. COVID-19 to some degree has been a leveler so they will be likely be in the same situation and will enjoy sharing time with you.
Connecting via Video
Most smartphones and computers can make and receive video calls, so you can see and hear the person you’re talking to. Facebook is one simple way to connect with family and friends, but there’s Facetime and WhatsApp and other options too. If you don’t normally use any of these, can a family member or carer set this up for you?
Social media
While too much social media isn’t always great for your mental well-being, a little bit can go a long way. Checking in with others, sharing a nice photo or finding a funny video are all possible through social media platforms. Just remember that you get to decide who and what goes on your feed – if you’re seeing too much news (or fake news), or negative people are getting you down, you can hide, mute or unfollow this content.
Virtual Choirs and bands
Through video chat, lots of people have taken the pandemic as an opportunity to move their and music groups online. Find one that’s set up or start your own and make some music. https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/am/virtual-choirs-combating-social-isolation/12066024
Virtual Travel
Many museums and theatres are providing virtual tours and you can travel from the comfort of your own home.
Check out some of the links below.
https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/virtual-trips-travel-tours
https://www.buzzfeed.com/annahaines/virtual-travel-experiences
Share books and videos
Drop books and videos you have read or watched into neighbours’ or friends’ letterboxes. Maybe drop a note in to say why you enjoyed them. Encourage them to give you feedback.
Having trouble reading? Give us a call at Quantum 1300 883 853 and we can chat about the various ways we can assist you to read your favourite books and magazines.
Care for the Carers
Due to COVID-19, there will be some people in our communities who are on the front lines as essential workers. Amongst these will be frontline medical staff, emergency services workers and people staffing hotlines and public services – even your local GP and the people stacking the shelves at your supermarket.
Families will rally around caring for each other. There will be the people in family groups who take care of the older generations or the children, or the neighbours who are making sure everyone on the street is doing okay.
You might be used to these people in your life being the ones who care for you, but now you need to take a moment to check in with them, and make sure they’re looking after themselves too. Even those among us who seem the strongest need to know they’re seen and valued.
We can all play our part and it’s a good feeling to be useful.
When the pandemic is over
The pandemic has given the world and opportunity to look for ways to connect, to care for the wellbeing of others whilst ensuring our own physical and mental wellbeing is our priority. Already we hear daily of acts of kindness and consideration and we are possibly encountering these acts in our own lives. Our relationships are important not just during a global pandemic but everyday. It is a time for reflection and a time for gratitude.