Staying Socially Connected While Physically Distancing
We know that isolation is bad for health, which makes the physical distancing from coronavirus so much more difficult to abide by on a continuous basis. Cate Bereznay, ND, MPH, walks readers through creative ways to engage with family and friends.
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We are living in unprecedented times. There are many stressors associated with the current Coronavirus, including the imperative “stay home and limit interaction with others” in a national effort to help flatten the curve. But social and medical scientists have long known that human isolation or even the perception of isolation is bad for health. As Seattle naturopathic doctor Cate Bereznay, ND, MPH, says,
“Social distancing needs to be rebranded as physical distancing because it is about not being physically close to each other rather than about social isolation.”
The advent of the internet and various platforms for remaining in touch are key pieces to staying connected.
Whether by phone, email, video chat platforms, reaching out to family and friends, or enjoying new or familiar activities together, we can stem the feelings of social isolation.