The phrase social distancing has a negative connotation, right? Stay 6 feet away from the person next to you sounds like the perfect way to stay disconnected from just about every physical social outlet out there. Even grocery stores are forcing us to practice this by placing markers at the registers of where to stand in relation to the person in front of or behind us.
With all this seemingly negative chatter, why would anyone think there were positives about social distancing at all? In the spirit of finding the silver lining in the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to highlight the positives. At the very least, it gives us something else to focus on that isn't related to distance, data/numbers, or the shortage of medical equipment.
In no particular order, here are the benefits of social distancing:
1. You can get more things done that are on our to-do list since you're at home.
Spring cleaning can actually happen this year (unlike last year or even 3 years ago). We can go through our punch list of things that we've put off and finally get them crossed off the list.
2. You learn and practice giving people more physical space.
The image of the people standing in the customs line at O'Hare Airport a few weeks ago is a really good lesson in what not to do. We're so rushed and busy all the time that we don't realize how many times we invade people's personal space - and not on purpose.
3. You can actually have a conversation without feeling like you are constantly being eavesdropped on.
How many times do you feel like you have to whisper or avoid a topic because you're out in public and don't want to be overheard? When you're out for your daily walk (yes, I recommend doing that everyone), you can now be free to have that conversation because no one will be close enough to you to overhear the whole thing.
4. You have more time to talk to loved ones who you don't see very often.
This is the time to connect (or reconnect) with people you are meaning to talk with but schedules don't align. It's also the time to reach out to anyone who doesn't have FaceTime, Skype, etc. over the phone so that you can continue to stay in touch.
5. You now have the ability to be creative in your social plans.
Plan a virtual potluck or happy hour. Challenge your friends to an exercise-related challenge. Send snail mail letters to friends and family so that they have a surprise in their mailbox (yes, people still check the mail - and wash their hands for 20 seconds after they do!). Get the kids together for a Zoom virtual playdate. Plan a neighborhood scavenger hunt for the kids and have a different weekly theme.
6. You can finally have time to spend with your kids.
If you travel for work, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Kids grow up so fast and this is an opportunity to take advantage of slowing that time down.
7. If going to the doctor makes you uncomfortable, this is now your excuse to have a virtual visit.
If going to the doctor makes your blood pressure rise (literally!), you can be seen virtually if it's appropriate. Clearly, this isn't for a yearly physical, but if you've been avoiding the doctor because you won't or can't physically make it to the office, this is your free procrastination pass.
We can help you strategize how to make social distancing more tolerable. Contact us today for a free 15-minute consultation.