Reflecting on Social Habits

I have been thinking a lot lately about how important social interaction is to our well-being. Our current status of self-isolation and quarantine is playing havoc with our natural behavior as social beings. Or is it?

Everyone is clamoring on the internet to Face Time or Zoom with family, friends and colleagues, while online shopping for groceries and household necessities. The tech community scrambling to come up with the latest and greatest app that will allow us to communicate without ever leaving the couch, let alone the house. With everything at your fingertips will old school social interactions give way to virtual ones?

While I agree that it is a great comfort that we are able to keep our cupboards stocked and meals on the table with minimal risk to our health, I wonder at what cost? People may become so used to the convenience and ease that they will continue long after the health risk is gone, which could change the dynamic of social interaction. Maybe this is a of bit old-fashioned thinking but I am missing the simple fact that I can’t visit my family and friends, be in the same room with them or give them a hug. I understand the importance of not doing so right now but it is my hope that we are able to get back to some semblance of this in the not too distant future.

That being said it really makes you reflect and appreciate how we are able to maintain a standard of living with minimal amenities available. Perhaps taking for granted what we had. Will we take this lesson with us when things return to “normal” and not over-indulge? Will we still take the time with our families without being forced to do so?

As we enter into another week of self-isolation I am finding it difficult to not get caught up in hermit mode. I have to force myself to be up early and get dressed as opposed to being in sweats all day, getting out for a walk twice a day for fresh air and exercise is a must. Having a goal for the day is helpful too, today for example, I made a huge pot of soup and delivered it to family members who are on their own. It was a win-win as it got me up and out of the house and made me feel good that I was able to surprise them with lunch. As much as I would have liked to have sat and enjoyed the lunch with them, it was enough to know that I made their day a little brighter.

There are ways to keep socially interactive and while being responsible but it does take thought and some effort. This current state will not last forever and if we have a hope of coming out of this with our well-being intact we have to make that effort a priority.