How To Build Social Connection During COVID-19
- Ben Pearson
- Jan 23, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 5
Building social connections has become a significant challenge in the wake of the pandemic, with lockdowns and social distancing protocols disrupting our usual routines. It's a difficult adjustment, but maintaining these connections is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. We have the answer to how you can adapt and stay connected with loved ones, even when it feels impossible.
How can I build social connections during COVID-19?
You can build social connections during COVID-19 by using technology like video calls and texts, developing new traditions with those you live with, and reminding yourself of the importance of these sacrifices for the greater good. Staying connected is vital for combating feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The pandemic has made it harder than ever to connect with others, but there are countless ways to maintain and strengthen relationships despite the distance. Keep reading to explore a variety of methods for staying close to friends and family and discover how to overcome the challenges of isolation.
How can you maintain social connection and overcome isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic?
One of the many continued effects of the coronavirus pandemic is the perpetual shutdowns, quarantines, and social distancing protocols that now make up daily life. As a result, it is incredibly difficult to meet with friends for a night out, and many other social outlets such as social clubs or religious institutions are all having to find unique ways to meet when possible.
Even schools are resorting to online learning over in-person classes for the safety of both the students and teachers. All of these new precautions can be difficult to cope with, and finding ways to build social connection during COVID-19 can be a difficult task. However, people will still need a degree of human interaction, and there are ways for each individual to stay connected with friends, family, and loved ones despite the trying times.
Build Social Connection During COVID-19: The Importance of Social Connectivity
Staying connected may be difficult, but it is still an important aspect of one’s life that needs to be addressed. Having a degree of social interaction in one’s life is important for combating a number of different negative feelings, such as isolation. Simply having others around or speaking to others regularly is an important emotional outlet that is necessary for taking care of one’s mental health, and is a powerful self-care practice.
Without these social outlets, it is easy for an individual to be overcome with loneliness or isolation, and these feelings can further develop into anxiety, depression, or create unhealthy coping mechanisms for the stress, such as using drugs or alcohol. Not only is finding a way to get together with friends just a fun thing to do, but it also has important mental, emotional, and physical health benefits.
Treasure Who You Live With
While it may be difficult to get out and see other friends or family, it is still a time to further develop relationships with roommates or housemates. While feelings of cabin fever may set in and the stressful times can put a strain on these relationships, it is important to remember that everyone is in the exact same situation, and each person needs a genuine kind of social interaction, as well.
During this time, it may be a good idea to start new familial traditions, such as regularly scheduling movie or game nights, to add a degree of human connection while adding a kind of normalcy to one’s day. Board games and video games are exceptionally beneficial during this time, as they can be done with multiple players interacting in new and unique ways. While traveling for vacations may not be a feasible option, having game nights can still provide a family-based break from the stresses of work and life.
Use Technology
Emails, phone calls, text messages, and video chat programs are all incredible ways to stay connected with friends and family, despite any distance. Making time to regularly chat using any of these strategies can further add some consistency and interaction into daily life. Having a weekend family Zoom or Skype call can not only allow a person to hear the voices of loved ones but also see and interact with their body language as well, creating a more intimate experience.
However, even text messages can go a long way in adding some human interaction to one’s day. When using these programs, it is important not to worry too much about if a person is “annoying” another. With all of the social distancing precautions, many others may be in just as much need of social interaction, and a break from the daily stresses of COVID-19 can be a relief. Texting loved ones about a funny thing that your pet did that morning, or simply updating recent stories on the news, can all be ways to keep conversation and interaction going.
Develop Traditions
Traditions and old stories are things that truly tie families together, and even during quarantine, it is possible to continue to build on these traditions. Cooking one of your grandmother’s recipes can be a great conversation starter when it comes to talking with family, and it is possible to then share in the experiences and flavors of the dish. Small practices like this can continuously reinforce the closeness of family and the idea of traditions, regardless of the physical space that may separate family members.
Remind Yourself “Why”
Adhering to social distancing and quarantine guidelines is exhausting, and it is normal to long for one’s old lifestyle to return. Pretending like everything is normal can create even more stress when trying to cope with the effects of COVID-19, so reminding oneself that this isn’t normal and that it is okay to be upset or agitated by the precautions is okay.
However, it is also important to constantly reinforce why each person is going through this difficult time, and contextualize one’s sacrifices for the safety of others, whether it be coworkers, friends, family, children, or teachers. Finding new ways to stay connected isn’t without cost, but it is also a reward in its own, as each person continues to move through these exhausting, taxing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
• How does social connection help my mental health?
Social interaction is an important emotional outlet that can combat negative feelings such as isolation and loneliness. It is a powerful self-care practice that helps prevent feelings of anxiety or depression.
• What are some ways to connect with my family?
You can use technology like video calls to stay in touch, develop new traditions like a weekly game or movie night, and even cook your grandmother's old recipes to reinforce family closeness.
• How can I make the most of my time with the people I live with?
While it may be challenging, you can use this time to develop new traditions, such as scheduling regular movie or game nights, which can provide a sense of normalcy and human connection.
• Is it okay to reach out to friends via text or call often?
Yes, it is. Many people are in just as much need of social interaction as you are. Reaching out with a simple text or call can be a welcome relief from the daily stresses of the pandemic.
• Why is it important to stick with social distancing guidelines?
It is important to remind yourself that these sacrifices are for the safety of others, including coworkers, friends, family, and teachers. Finding new ways to stay connected is a reward in itself as we all navigate this difficult time.
Navigating the emotional challenges of the pandemic, such as loneliness and isolation, requires a supportive community. At Chateau Health and Wellness, we understand these struggles because we're here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized support, helping you find healthy ways to cope and build a strong foundation for your well-being. We're ready to partner with you on your journey toward mental and emotional health. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our caring team at (435) 222-5225—because your health is our priority.
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About The Author
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
