We are a social species and we are asked to stop socializing. Right? Wrong.
We’ve been indundated with messages from media, national and local healthcare organizations as well as our own community leaders urging social distancing in an effort to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. What do they actually mean?
According to the World Health Organization, social distancing is, “Deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chance of catching COVID-19. Other examples of social distancing that allow you to avoid larger crowds or crowded spaces are:
• Working from home instead of at the office
• Closing schools or switching to online classes
• Visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in person
• Cancelling or postponing conferences and large meetings.”
This is tough and we know that you are getting stir-crazy but, there is a silver lining! We live in an electronic age! For all of the criticism that the technology ‘addiction’ has taken in the past years, it can now work to our advantage. Think of the opportunities we have to stay in contact with friends, loved ones and associates that were not available 15 to 20 years ago. Opportunities like:
• Social Media (Facebook {including Facetime}, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat)
• Collaborative Business Media Platforms (LinkdIn, GGoogle and many more)
• Video Calls (Skype, Tango, Facetime and many more)
My point is this; you can use technology to stay in touch! If you have a computer, a tablet, a smart phone or a smart television and you are connected to the Internet, you can utilize these programs or apps and stay in touch! Social Distancing during the current crisis means physical distance, for the safety of yourself and others…it doesn’t have to mean emotional distance.
If you are unfamiliar with any of the above mentioned technologies or how to access or use them, please reach out to someone for help. If you can’t find any help, I will gladly get you in touch with my 9 year old niece, she’s a WHIZ!
Stay positive, stay focused and stay well!