Social Distancing is Not Social Isolation
A three-minute Lesson from Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®
We are living is challenging times, a monumental understatement, I admit. But, it’s where I need to start — an acknowledgement that this current way of life is so vastly different from what we’re used to and what most of us would choose.
In these days of the COVID-19 (corona virus) pandemic, I am comforted by the guidance and leadership of medical experts, healthcare providers on the front lines, state and local government leaders and businesses and not-for-profit organizations who have stepped up. Not so much from the self-interested, mercenary, irresponsible actions and words from those in positions of leadership and influence in the federal government, but that’s another story, and much less important.
The experts I trust tell us that to contain the virus, we need to “flatten the curve.” Essentially, this term, which comes from epidemiology, describes, “the idea of slowing a virus’ spread so that fewer people need to seek treatment at any given time… It explains why so many countries are implementing ‘social distancing’ guidelines….” Social distancing is the fundamental strategy we know to be effective in flattening this curve. (Source: https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-flatten-the-curve.html)
As we have quickly learned, social distancing means “staying home, avoiding crowds and refraining from touching one another.” Thank goodness our fur-kids are exempt! For more on how to practically achieve this, without going stir crazy, check out CNN’s helpful FAQ (https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/21/health/social-distancing-coronavirus-faq-wellness-trnd/index.html).
Not a fun experience for Myers-Briggs’ extroverts, as I can attest. But, we know social distancing is effective in keeping ourselves, our loved ones and our communities safe from the virus. And, it is temporary. What social distancing is not — is social isolation. Or, at least, I’m writing this to reinforce that it shouldn’t be!
Social distancing could look a lot like social isolation. Physical separation from our tribe, confinement to our home, inability to keep our social routines (e.g. eating out, shopping, etc.) is socially isolating. Such an experience can create chronic loneliness, erode physical and mental health, and even increase mortality, according to an article by the American Psychological Association. The article also claims that the negative effects of social isolation can be worse than heavy cigarette smoking and obesity. (Source: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation)
But, it doesn’t have to have the adverse effects that social isolation can have. We can overcome them by being proactive in these ways: create a schedule (a new routine) that includes physical activity, work, hobbies and that project you just haven’t been able to get to; reach out to family, friends and colleagues by phone, video chat, email and plan times to connect each day or week; find ways to look out for and care for others — a neighbor who lives by themselves who may need a check-in phone call or grocery run.
Here’s what I’ve been doing. For my friends/family, a Facebook or Zoom Check-In once a week to see how everyone is doing, clarify questions and facts (I have a lot of peeps in the healthcare profession). For readers, podcast listeners and followers of The Practical Prof®, I set up Office Hours Live — a realtime, free video conference where participants can share professional challenges and successes, get advice (from me or other participants) and just connect. I’ve created a podcast series within my show, “Office Hours with The Practical Prof®… and Friends” (available on your favorite podcast player), on the impact of COVID-19 on various industries. The first one focused on artists and entertainers; the second on small business. And, there will be more to come.
Yes, a good part of my motivation is to reach out to help others, but it’s also for me. I need to be social, and this fills that void adequately. It’s okay, no good, to do this for yourself as well as others. Now, if I could just work that exercise in, beyond walking the dog, wouldn’t that be a wonderful accomplishment?!?
Be distant but don’t be isolated. And, we’ll get through this — together!
