Day 2658 of lockdown. Well, it isn’t but it feels like it, doesn’t it? January and February are statistically, the most miserable months of the year, with poor weather, post-Christmas debts, and the dreams of holidays in the sun feeling way out of reach, but this year, we also have a lockdown to contend with, and boy are we feeling it.
As humans, we are social creatures, and even the most introverted of our species need some personal connection from time to time. Whilst the world may feel upside down, with no end in sight just yet, there are things you can do to beat the loneliness and despair that many are experiencing right now.
1. Social media: The likes of Facebook and Twitter don’t always get a great press, but in times like these, they can be our saviours. Set yourself up a profile and connect with friends and family around the globe to chat with- just familiarise yourself with the privacy settings to keep yourself safe online. Current popular social media platforms at the moment include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Have a look at them and see what gels with you best. Facebook in particular is great for finding like-minded people in topical chat groups and for starting online friendships.
2. Pen pals: Hands up who had a pen pal as a kid?! Pen Pals are making a revival through these difficult times, with various websites dedicated to finding your ideal pal- and lots of Facebook groups are also dedicated to linking people through the written word. Receiving a handwritten letter through the post can do wonders for your mental health, giving you a little lift, and there’s something really special about sitting down to read a personal letter with a good cup of tea!
3. Video chats: I don’t think I’m alone in that I haven’t always been comfortable with video calls, but it’s worth overcoming. This amazing feat of technology has done WONDERS for keeping in contact with loved ones and to feel like I have company. We have facetime, Facebook messenger video, WhatsApp video, Zoom, Skype- we’re spoiled for choice, and having a chat whilst being able to see each other feels so much more personal than a normal phone call. Another great idea is video chats whilst having a ‘watch party’- decide on a film to watch at the exact same time, whilst connected over video- it’s almost as good as
being sat on the sofa together, but at least you won’t have to share your popcorn!
4. Wave at strangers: Whilst on your daily exercise outing, why not throw a head nod or a wave at people as they pass? Cheerfulness is contagious and so is a smile- if you’re not wearing a mask! Compliment someone on their shoes, their bag, the jumper they’re wearing, comment on how well behaved their children are, or how cute their dog is. Just because we can’t get close, it doesn’t mean we can’t make conversation, and that feeling of connectedness can see you through the rest of the day.
5. Make the most of it!: We can’t change the fact we’re in lockdown, so we may as well make the best of it. Get those home projects done, finish your Netflix watch list, read all those books you’ve had piling up. If you live with a partner or children, enjoy cooking together, playing board games, video games, and movie marathons. Whilst it’s so important to maintain social connections, it’s also really important to utilise the extra time indoors we’ve all been given- even if that means some days you simply catch up on much needed rest!
We have a choice- be annoyed and miserable about it, scowling day after day, or accept and embrace it. It’s perfectly ok for this not to be the situation you want, but it’s the one we’ve found ourselves in, so we need to adapt and overcome- and find new ways to make us smile. It doesn’t have to be the worst few months ever!
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