Social Distancing or Physical Distancing? by George Robinson
In response to COVID-19 the ‘Live Up’ COVID COMMUNITY was set up to support our communities with practical wellbeing resources that can be used for these extraordinary circumstances of social distancing, community lockdown and quarantine. This article from George Robinson (Development Manager of North Canterbury Basketball) looks at the ‘connect’ aspect of the 5 ways to wellbeing and asks us to consider is it social distancing or is it physical distancing that is needed?
Here is a printable PDF template that helps you explore your support group.
Photo source: https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/emotional-support
We have been given the directive from the government to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19, however the directive is more about physical distancing. Social distancing, and our connection and relationship with our friends and family (via online ofcourse) shouldn’t diminish, and in fact social support can go a long way to improves ones well-being (Levy, Nicholls, Marchant, & Polman, 2009; Norris et al., 2017; Feeney & Collins, 2015) during this extremely challenging, and unprecedented time for all.
We are very fortunate that in this day and age, social connection can still be achieved from a physical distance due to the many mediums available to us. From Zoom, Skype and FaceTime it is so easy to jump on a call with loved ones down the road, or the other side of the world. For the kids, the ability to play online games via Xbox, PS4 or Computer, or creating TikTok Challenges provide a vast way from them to connect to others outside their immediate bubble.
For some, however it might not be as easy as just jumping online and calling people in their social support system. Some people might not know who to turn to, or have anyone to turn to at all. It is important to reach out to those people that might be struggling, or alone and connect with them so that they feel valued during this period of uncertainty. Even just a text to a grandparent, can go a long way to helping them through this.
For those people that might not know who to lean on, and who is in their social support system, I have shared an activity below. Social Support can come in many forms, and people can provide specific support in one, area or be one in multiple areas, becoming a primary support person to you. It is important that you can identify how each person in a support group can support you, and that you are getting the right support when needed. You may identify that there are areas in your support group that aren’t as strong as others.
It is important that we have these interactions, as those connections, the laughter, the sharing of concerns, all help strengthen our relationships, and help us feel valued (Mental Health Foundation, 2020). Often, many forms of coping for someone can revolve around social catch ups with friends over a wine, or a coffee, and it is important that these mechanisms still happen, although with a slightly different format, and adapting the best as possible.
Who knows how long this new normal will hang around for, but those relationships, and connections with others that are going through the similar situations at work, home, and life can help make this lockdown journey a shared one.
Whatever your situation is, you are ALL making huge sacrifices, and we just want to send some aroha your way. This is A LOT right now! And in the words of Jacinda Arden, ‘Be Kind’ to yourself and others.
Here is a printable PDF template that helps you explore your support group.
References: Any sources you have used and other’s ideas you are sharing.
Feeney, B. C., & Collins, N. L. (2015). A new look at social support: a theoretical perspective on thriving through relationships. Personality and social psychology review : an official journal of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc, 19(2), 113–147. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868314544222
Levy, A., Nicholls, A., Marchant, D., & Polman, R. (2009). Organisational stressors, coping, and coping effectiveness: A longitudinal study with an elite coach. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 4(1), 31-45.
Norris, L. A., Didymus, F. F., & Kaiseler, M. (2017). Stressors, coping, and well-being among sports coaches: A systematic review. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 33(Supplement C), 93-112. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.08.005
“He moana pukepuke e ekengia e te waka,
a choppy sea can be navigated ”