Tips on Connecting During Isolation for Every Age Group
Article courtesy of Oakwood Roots Collaborative: A Center for Clinical Development & Practice
Children
A note from Melina Cavazos:
With local schools shifting to an online format, parents may find it especially challenging to establish a weekly routine for their students. Incorporating mindfulness activities can be a new and helpful way to start the day! Phone apps can be a fun and easy way to do this. My personal favorites are “Stop, Breathe & Think” (for older children and adults) and “Stop, Breathe & Think Kids” (for younger children). These apps are largely free, and have emotional, behavioral, and physical tracking methods that makes this a particularly engaging app! Digital stickers, anyone? Get the whole family involved by making this a “family time” activity!
TEENS:
A note from Jess Rios:
Feeling bored? Events you were looking forward to getting cancelled? Feel like life, fun, and friends were stolen from you? Enjoying finally being alone at home and able to sleep in? Feeling isolated and stuck with family? Wherever you land in your feelings about this pandemic and where it’s left you, transitioning to classes online and not having easy access to your friends every day has had a big impact on you. While you didn’t ask for these changes it’s important you are able to talk about how they have affected you. Grief the losses and embrace the upsides of the disruption. Find creative ways to stay connected to friends. Check in on your most introverted and extroverted friends. Also put the phone down every once in a while, and find fun ways to connect with the family. Stay on top of schoolwork, stay connected to friends and family, and stay healthy. You’ll have some crazy stories to tell your kids one day of how you survived the pandemic of 2020.
Couples
A note from Angel Byrd:
During this time, there are so many adjustments we all are having to make as we find our new normal. You may find that you, your partner, and your children (if you have children) are home together for a longer extended period of time than normal. While this may cause some additional stress at home, I encourage to use this time to find creative and reasonable ways connect with your partner. Staying close and connected to our partners is important, especially during difficult and stressful times. You could eat together during your lunch breaks or go for a walk during breaks from work. If you are unable to be together during this time use social media and technology to your advantage, check in and have Facetime dates!
College Students
A note from Ashley Maynard:
As colleges transition to online learning, things can feel as if they are out of your control and assignments can start to fall through the cracks. Spend time focusing on the things you can control and organize reminders for your remaining assignments. As you work through your assignments, reach out to classmates; group chats for each class can help with accountability, reminders, and a space to process with your peers. Lastly, start assignments as early as possible to allow yourself breaks and rest. There’s going to be a lot of adjusting to this new idea of normal, give yourself time to figure out what amount of work is right.
Try out a couple of these mindfulness apps if you need some help with finding calm in a moment:
Adults
A note from Jocellyne Guerra:
With the rapid changes and the increased lack of boundaries between work and home life it is important that we find methods of separating our work responsibilities from our home responsibilities, in order to keep our stress at bay. One method of doing so is to create a designated work area, where you will solely do work. Try setting “work hours” for yourself – create a schedule. You can also try changing out of your pajamas into comfortable “work clothes.” During your “work hours” be sure to take breaks (cook, go for a walk, take the dogs out, etc.). When you’re done with work, put away your work materials in order to shift your mindset from work to home; this may include changing out of your “work clothes,” spending time with your family or partner, or engaging in an activity you enjoy or is relaxing to you.
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