Stay Calm and Connected During the COVID-19 Crises
To fight the virus we need both physical distance AND mental togetherness
Examples of acts of kindness and community are cropping up in my social circle. For instance, a neighbor posted a note using the Nextdoor app to offer help to anyone with errands or groceries during this extraordinary time. A 78-year-old woman responded, saying she was okay for now, but wasn’t sure if she’d need something in the future. It comforted her, she said, to know she could reach out.
Research has repeatedly shown that people with strong social connections experience immunity boosts. Yet, with the need to remain physically distant, we can’t connect the way we used to. Stress build-up is another immunity issue. Numerous studies show that long-term stress hurts our ability to fight infection.* Given that our immune systems need every advantage we can give them right now, we need to keep calm and build resilience any way we can. So, how can we gain the positive health benefits of both social distancing and emotional closeness?
Poet Emily Dickinson wrote,
They might not need me; but they might.
I’ll let my head be just in sight;
A smile as small as mine…
