Social Self-Care

It is critical to also nurture ourselves socially, as human connection is important for our existence.  We resonate with others through a lens of attachment and connectedness.  Here are some ways to enhance our self-care through social engagements:

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• Socialize with friends and family:

  • During physical distancing, this has been a complication.  Many have resorted to using Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts/Meet, or other digital platforms to virtually spend time.  One thing to be aware of, as many of us are participating in meetings and other work-related activities this way, we should ensure to take "technology breaks."  It takes a lot more energy to engage with people virtually, as we are not able to utilize as much nonverbal communication (e.g., body language) and have to make a more concerted effort to engage two-dimensionally with each other.​

  • Some individuals have been creative and have walked with neighbors or friends on opposite sides of the street or have gone of "physically distanced" hikes or bike rides.

  • You can also do an "in-person" tailgate or have coffee on opposite ends of the picnic table at a park with a friend.

  • Talking on the phone and texting loved ones can also be a way to socialize, limiting "zoom fatigue."

  • It is important to continuously "check-in" with yourself to see what you need and how much (or little) socialization you need at the moment, during the day, week, etc.

  • Keep in mind to do whatever serves you.  If you need some personal down time and need to solo-socialize, then it is important to honor that.

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• Play games:

  • Playing games in person are excellent ways to socialize; however, that has been more difficult during a pandemic.  Of course, playing games with loved ones we are quarantining with are great, or we can even kick around a soccer ball (a "hands-free" activity) with a friend.​

  • Virtual games are also great ways to connect.  In addition to on-line games and consoles that allow you to engage with others, there are apps and on-line sites that let you play with multiple people.

    • Dust off or reload that "Words with Friends"​ or "Draw Something" App

    • Play virtual board games with friends on-line with Board Game Arena or Tabletopia​

    • Here is a large list of on-line board games!

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• Enjoy a meal together: virtually or in-person (if safe), while being physically distanced.

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• Enjoy a show or movie together: you can do this in-person (if safe), or you can host a Netflix virtual watch party with friends

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• Join a book club or knitting club

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• Join a professional group: This can be a specific interest group or organizations at your local, state, or national levels.

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• Volunteer somewhere, such as an animal shelter.  During physical distance, this may be challenging, but there are distanced community gardens or volunteer hotlines that are also available.

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• Go into a classroom that you enjoy when at work.  You can also do this in virtual classrooms-- it is a great way to engage with educators and students (with permission first, of course!)

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• Go into the lunchroom or playground with students when at work.

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• Go into the teacher's lounge if it is a positive zone.

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• Be sure to also take some solo-time to reconnect and recharge with yourself; it is important to also be "social" with ourselves as well and be intrinsically connected.