Inside: Are you feeling lonely and disconnected in this new socially distant world? Mama, you can still be connected - here are 10 ways how.
“No thanks” I told my mom back in April when she asked if I wanted to order a fun, colorful mask with her.
I didn’t think all of this would last so long. And to be honest, back in mid-April the Stay-At-Home Order was just two weeks away from ending (so I thought….) and I was sure life would be getting back to “normal” very soon.
Well maybe not in NYC, but here in my little mountain town I was sure that life would be back to its former self in no time at all.
But I was oh-so blissfully ignorant.
While my state of NC has opened up more (though we still have restrictions), I know there are a lot of mamas out there who are being very careful to maintain social distancing. I have a friend who had a baby back in March and, due to health concerns, has barely left her home since. Even for those of us who have started to have playdates again, large group gatherings still are not happening very much (bye-bye church gatherings, story time at the library).
A while back my little family was under quarantine while we waited for our COVID test results after being exposed to the virus. Thankfully we were negative. But that one week of not seeing anyone other than my two boys and husband made me realize - there are a lot of people in the world who have seen a lot less of others for a lot longer of a time period.
Even though we aren’t getting together in person like we used to, community and relationship is just (if not more) as vital as it was 6+months ago (back in February, when we all blissfully lived in a different world).
Why Moms Need To Stay Connected Even While Social Distancing
As an introvert, I do not mind being confined to hanging out with my kids and husband - thankfully I like them all 🙂 But even I have started to realize that this might go on much longer than we all expected, and isolation for the duration of this pandemic is not going to be good for any of us. Mental health people!
As moms we might have an advantage because we are used to being home with the kids most of the day. But what is hard is that our adult outlets (meeting other moms at the library or at the playground) has been limited. And we still desperately need that adult interaction and connection.
You will be a better mom if you have an outlet by which you can have relationship with interaction with other adults. You must stay connected with friends. It might be harder, but it could also be more fun 🙂 And here are some ideas to help you do that:
10 Easy Ways Moms Can Stay Connected In A COVID World
1. Make phone calls
In a world where calling has become almost foreign, it is intimidating to pick up the phone, dial a friend's number, and just chat. But once the awkwardness is out of the way (because let's be honest, none of us are used to talking on the phone just for fun anymore!), it will be encouraging and uplifting to have a real conversation with a friend.
2. Zoom calls with friends from far away
If anything, this pandemic has made me realize how easy it really is to stay connected to friends far away. With Zoom now being a household term, it has made virtual hangouts and connection more commonplace. So take advantage. Connect with your college roommate or high school girlfriends and set up a zoom call.
3. Online cooking class together
I have a friend who teaches Thai cooking classes. Now that teaching in person is not a viable option, she has moved to teaching classes online. So grab a couple friends and sign up for a virtual class together. AirBNB now offers virtual experiences - check them out and invite some friends to join you!
4. Start a Bible Study or book club with a friend
Reading together will give you and your mom friends something to talk about and discuss other than the kids. And the accountability will motivate you to keep reading and staying in the Word. Get together over Zoom or outside at a park.
5. Watch Ted Talks
This might not get you out and about with other moms, but it does keep your mind sharp and connected to the world when you are socially distancing. Make a goal to watch one Ted Talk a day. You’ll probably learn a thing or two you didn’t know before!
6. Be the friend or family member you wish others would be to you
If you wish someone would give you a call, write you a letter, send you a gift card, come to hang out in your backyard (socially distant, of course!) then make a deliberate effort to do that for someone else. If you are craving a little encouragement and human interaction, someone else is, too. Be the virtual hug that they need.
7. Write letters to the elderly
My grandmother passed away a couple of months ago and it just made me think about how much the elderly are really going through during these months of social distancing - in the last years of their life many can not see loved ones. If you have an elder family member or friend send them a card or write them a letter. If you don’t have anyone in mind contact a local nursing home and ask if there are residents you could write, encourage, and love on.
8. Start a Facebook group
I was recently invited by an old friend to join a crafting Facebook group. In this group moms share their latest projects and hobbies. What a great way to stay connected while social distancing! If you have a particular interest, or just want to get moms in your community to stay connected, start a Facebook group to share ideas, projects, pictures, and the latest happenings.
9. Get Outside
Just because we have to practice social distancing doesn’t mean that we have to be inside. So get outside, go on a walk - we can still wave and say hi to people that we see out and about 🙂
There have been many days over the past few months I will take my kids to a popular paved trail here in town just so that I can see other adults and wave hi!
10. Have a “Social Distancing” buddy
We all need one friend that we can hang out with during these months of social distancing - so pick someone who has the same level of concern/social distancing practices as you and get together in person as you both feel comfortable. Just having one person that you can get together with makes a huge impact on your social needs.
How Moms Can Make Even Deeper Connections While Social Distancing
Yes, we need to stay connected. But what if we all came out of this pandemic with more meaningful connections than we had before March came around? What if we get out of our houses in a few months and have more of a sense of community than ever before?
It’s possible. How?
We can make the most of this socially distant world. Because, in some ways, this new temporary way is life is good because:
- We are being forced into a position to be creative in getting together.
- We can connected with those far away
- We are becoming more appreciative of those we love and hang out with.
- Because communication is more limited, we are learning to be concise and to the point (no time for fluffy conversation!)
So mama, get creative, get connected, and be an encourager. You’ve got this mama!
I’m rooting for you,
