Through this COVID-19 crisis, we are all asked to social distance ourselves. (“Social distance” has, perhaps, officially—or at least, unofficially—become a verb.) This we should be doing to slow the spread of the virus. (I would add we should do this anytime we are sick or there is a “bug” going around—maybe just not to the magnitude we are doing so presently.) As we work and school from home and self-isolate, we tend to spend more time online—particularly on social media. Indeed, social media is the top source from which I am receiving information on the pandemic. (Don’t worry. I am fact-checking.) As we gravitate toward social media, we have greater potential for being exposed to negativity and cynicism. As such, I urge us to use social media to keep connected and, above all, to encourage and support our friends.
I would also encourage us to spend less time on social media—to social media distance. Use our time in self-quarantine positively—to focus on our well-centered fitness (grow Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially). Read books. Exercise (of course!). Explore online learning. (Khan Academy isn’t just for kids, and schools like Harvard and MIT offer some free courses—for examples.) Be present with the family with whom you are “stuck” at home. Play games. Watch movies together. Schedule frequent “15-minute check-ins”. Listen. Communicate. Catch up on phone calls to distant family members. Facetime. Skype. Be connected in your isolation. Keep your posts on social media positive. Focus on subjects besides the coronavirus, quarantine, and toilet paper.
See the opportunity in self-quarantine. Work on your grattitude. Learn a lesson from my friend, Andy Lausier, and move from “I have to…” to “I get to…”. Be other-centered.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!!