By Sarah Steward, MS
After more than a year of social distancing, you might have found ways to cope, but chances are you still feel lonely or isolated, or you simply long for things to be normal. Keeping socially distant during summer, even as restrictions change, can be a reminder that your social connections aren’t quite the way you want them. However, those connections can be established and maintained in different ways. Here are 5 ways to maintain a sense of closeness with loved ones, even as you continue to keep your distance.
1. Express appreciation
Appreciation is a powerful, often overlooked tool in creating strong relationships. Let your family and friends know you appreciate them, even if you can’t be together. Say, “I appreciate you,” and let them know what you specifically appreciate about them. Gestures count: Send a thoughtful gift, or help with outdoor activities if they live nearby.
2. Adjust your mindset
Whether it’s the pandemic or just military life, stress can feel inevitable. So, take some time to focus on the one thing you can change: your response to the stress. Notice your mindset, thoughts, and emotional reactions—it can empower you to experience different, less-charged responses and more positive thoughts and actions.
Fight your “negativity bias.” Perhaps you think you won’t enjoy the summer and you’ll be lonely. To fight this bias, check your interpretations and question your thoughts. Who can you spend time with? How can you maintain a connection with the people you can’t be with? Just asking these questions might change your thinking and help relieve your stress.
3. Seek gratitude
Thankfulness is a state of mind that can be hard to foster when you’re busy or have a lot on your plate. Set time aside for gratitude over the next few weeks. Try keeping a gratitude journal: Write down a few things you’re grateful for each day. Family members can share what you’re each grateful for around the dinner table. Or share your message—through mail or email—with family and friends who can’t be with you in person.
4. Reconnect distant relationships
Be creative: Look at family photographs or recall memories. Schedule video or phone chats to share activities or meals “together.” Send video messages to family and friends, so they can feel your presence any time.
5. Adjust your expectations
If you envision summer a certain way—with lots of fun and togetherness—you might feel disappointed when it turns out different. This is natural, but think about how your expectations contributed to your letdown. Try different ways of looking at things. Think about what’s behind your expectations. Could the entire season really be filled with fun? How can you enjoy summertime even if family and friends can’t be there?
About the Author
Sarah Steward, of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, is a Social Health Scientist for the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU).
* The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of USU or DoD. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and do not reflect the views, opinions, or policies of The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The author has no financial interests or relationships to disclose.
After more than a year of social distancing, you might have found ways to cope, but chances are you still feel lonely or isolated, or you simply long for things to be normal. Keeping socially distant during summer, even as restrictions change, can be a reminder that your social connections aren’t quite the way you want them. However, those connections can be established and maintained in different ways. Here are 5 ways to maintain a sense of closeness with loved ones, even as you continue to keep your distance.
1. Express appreciation
Appreciation is a powerful, often overlooked tool in creating strong relationships. Let your family and friends know you appreciate them, even if you can’t be together. Say, “I appreciate you,” and let them know what you specifically appreciate about them. Gestures count: Send a thoughtful gift, or help with outdoor activities if they live nearby.
2. Adjust your mindset
Whether it’s the pandemic or just military life, stress can feel inevitable. So, take some time to focus on the one thing you can change: your response to the stress. Notice your mindset, thoughts, and emotional reactions—it can empower you to experience different, less-charged responses and more positive thoughts and actions.
Fight your “negativity bias.” Perhaps you think you won’t enjoy the summer and you’ll be lonely. To fight this bias, check your interpretations and question your thoughts. Who can you spend time with? How can you maintain a connection with the people you can’t be with? Just asking these questions might change your thinking and help relieve your stress.
3. Seek gratitude
Thankfulness is a state of mind that can be hard to foster when you’re busy or have a lot on your plate. Set time aside for gratitude over the next few weeks. Try keeping a gratitude journal: Write down a few things you’re grateful for each day. Family members can share what you’re each grateful for around the dinner table. Or share your message—through mail or email—with family and friends who can’t be with you in person.
4. Reconnect distant relationships
Be creative: Look at family photographs or recall memories. Schedule video or phone chats to share activities or meals “together.” Send video messages to family and friends, so they can feel your presence any time.
5. Adjust your expectations
If you envision summer a certain way—with lots of fun and togetherness—you might feel disappointed when it turns out different. This is natural, but think about how your expectations contributed to your letdown. Try different ways of looking at things. Think about what’s behind your expectations. Could the entire season really be filled with fun? How can you enjoy summertime even if family and friends can’t be there?
About the Author
Sarah Steward, of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, is a Social Health Scientist for the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU).
* The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of USU or DoD. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and do not reflect the views, opinions, or policies of The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The author has no financial interests or relationships to disclose.
