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2020 HAP Blog SocialDistance 1105x440

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation

March 26, 2020 by Dr Charles Bloom

For many of us, the COVID-19 crisis has changed our lives – and the world around us – almost overnight. 

This rapidly evolving situation has forced many of us to work from home, homeschool our children, change travel plans, search stores for hand sanitizer and practice something new called social distancing.

What’s social distancing?

Social distancing is a tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19 being passed from person to person. While it's increasing the physical space between us, it doesn’t have to create emotional distance between us.

And, in fact, there’s lots of simple ways for us to get even closer to our family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

HAP is here, to help you:

  • with ways to stay connected
  • use HAP resources

Connect with others

  • Make phone calls. Share experiences and feelings with each other. Talk it out.
  • Try text and video chat to stay in touch. FaceTime and Skype make it easy to “see” one another in real time.
  • Get social on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
  • Write letters and post cards and mail them.

Focus on the positive

  • Keep to a routine.
  • Practice positivity, gratitude and kindness.
  • Exercise daily. And when possible, start your day with exercise to kick start your endorphins.
  • Set limits for screen time with cell phones, computers, tablets and TV.
  • Avoid binge watching the news and checking updates throughout the day.
  • Enjoy a hobby. Learn something new. Download a book. Listen to a podcast. Dance it out.

Cope by getting outdoors

  • Get an hour of bright light in the morning and around midday to regulate your day-night rhythm.
  • Enjoy sunny days and fresh air by spending time in your yard.
  • Take a stroll around your neighborhood.

Healthy food is key to a healthy mind

  • Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and lean meat.
  • Limit sugar, sweets and fats.
  • Try eating three small meals a day with three small healthy snacks in between.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Get your vitamin C to boost immunity. Yellow peppers, mangos, kale, broccoli and oranges are all high in vitamin C. 

Home is where the heart is

  • Make a list of things to do around the house and as a family.
  • Keep your bedroom cool for sleep and try to not work in the bedroom.
  • Spring clean your home: closets, basement and attic.

Talk to your doctor

  • Ask your doctor if you can schedule a virtual appointment using Skype or FaceTime. This could be for mental health or physical health needs. 

You are not alone. HAP is here.

Categories: Get Involved