COMMUNITYIN THE NEWSLONELINESS
Here Is WHY We Can’t Let Social Distancing Lead To Social Isolation And What We Can Do About it
With the rapidly evolving challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, The GenWell Project
is offering some insight as to WHY we need to maintain crucial social connection habits
TORONTO – When The GenWell Project was founded nearly four years ago, it was done with the aim of making the world a happier and healthier place by reminding people about the importance of face-to-face social connection. Our goal was, and still is, to inspire people to take action and create healthy connection habits ongoing and to build strong connections for their mental and physical health and eventually establishing a community which they could rely on in the event of a crisis.
As countries across the globe increasingly move towards mass self-isolation and lockdowns and we try to navigate the dos and don’ts of social distancing, the mission of The GenWell Project is as important as ever. During this challenging time, The GenWell Project, the Human Connection Movement, wants to ensure that, while we increase our physical distancing and decrease in-person face-to-face social interaction, this does not lead to increased social isolation.
“Research clearly shows how important human connection is to our mental and physical health and the negative impact it has when we don’t have it in our lives. For years, The GenWell Project has been encouraging people to develop ongoing connection habits and we want to ensure people maintain those connections in the very challenging environment we presently find ourselves in,” said Pete Bombaci, Founder of The GenWell Project. “There are numerous steps we can take to ensure that social distancing doesn’t lead to social isolation, especially in the case of some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”
“What I believe is important to recognize is the ‘why’ behind the need for connection, particularly at a time like this. It’s in our DNA, we are wired to seek human connection, not just during a time of crisis but every day of our lives,” continued Bombaci.” Connecting helps us cope with the current challenges, find solutions and build the resilience that will help us through this crisis.”
A world in which face-to-face social interaction is limited is challenging for everyone, but digital technology allows us some incredible ways to supplement the relationships that make us happier and healthier. Here is a list of ways we can stay socially connected with people, while practicing social distancing (or while self-isolating):
- Make a point of setting aside some time every day to connect with a friend, neighbor, family member or colleague while physical distancing.
- Find an appropriate platform for connecting – FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Zoom, etc. – familiarize yourself with it to make connection time seamless and easy.
- Talk to friends or search online for new and creative ways to connect (ie: virtual dinner party, virtual game night, teaching lessons or skills, etc.).
- Use this the excuse to connect with someone you haven’t connected with in a while – they are likely in the same situation as you and would appreciate hearing from you.
- Identify one extra person a week that you think would really benefit from having someone reach out to them to say hello.
THE NUMBERS BEHIND FACE-TO-FACE CONNECTING
- Quality relationships increase the chance of longevity up to 50%
- Those who have a large network of friends outlive those with the fewest friends by 22%
- Even just one loving relationship with a parent, friend, spouse or sibling can boost your self-esteem
- Close work relationships boost employee satisfaction by 50% and people with a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be fully engaged in their work
Together we can make the world a happier and healthier place one face-to-face conversation at a time. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay connected.
For more information, or to connect with us online, please visit https://genwellproject.org/.
