Connecting With Loved Ones Virtually

Our need for connection is hardwired into us. Collaboration and cooperation was vital in helping early humans survive harsh environmental circumstances. While we may no longer need others to protect us from being eaten by a lion, we still crave interaction with others, as it keeps us mentally and emotionally healthy. Human connection allows us to grow and develop meaningful relationships. We are all probably feeling some of the disconnection that has occurred as we quarantine and practice social distancing, knowing that our typical way of being with others has changed. If you’re noticing feelings of loneliness setting in, be gentle with yourself. Consider trying out some of these creative suggestions for staying connected with others in a virtual format!

Book Club

Books give us so many opportunities to learn new things, reflect on important topics, and can spur lively discussion. Being part of a book club is a great way to have consistent contact with your loved ones, and talking about the book of the month gives a focus to your time together. Search online for book club question suggestions specific to the book you read, or use this list for inspiration: https://www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/a31047508/book-club-questions/

Virtual Dinner Parties

Choose a platform that works for you (zoom, FaceTime, Skype, etc.), pick a start time, and invite your loved ones to dinner! Some people may still be in their kitchen cooking, others might be sitting down to eat, but everyone will be connecting over food and conversation. 

Online Meditation and Mindfulness Practices

Sometimes it can be challenging to motivate ourselves to practice mindfulness and meditation on our own. We get busy with other tasks and it can feel challenging to set aside quiet time. By participating in a scheduled meditation, you might feel more connected and willing to prioritize this practice. The Christine Center in Willard, WI offers free online meditations Monday-Friday at 8:45am and 5:00pm: https://christinecenter.org/christine-center-online-daily-meditation/

Virtual Karaoke, Game Nights, and Playdates

Instead of thinking of all the things we can’t do in person right now, try shifting your mindset to ways in which we can still be social. Social events that typically happen at other people’s homes can be replicated through a virtual meetup. Try playing games like 20 questions, 2 Truths and a Lie, charades, and other interactive activities.

FaceTime Hang-outs:
+ cooking dinner together
+ take an online class together, YouTube or online studio (yoga, zumba, african dance workout, etc)
+ watch a movie/tv series together 
+ eat dinner together or meet-up for lunch
+ have coffee/tea date 

Outdoor Hang-outs:
+ meet up for a walk in the park/forest/trail
+ host a bonfire
+ parking lot meet up (stay in your warm car and chat with windows down)

When you notice yourself missing others or feeling lonely, try to schedule an opportunity to connect with loved ones, even if it’s through a phone or computer screen. 

References

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-03-19/coronavirus-tips-virtual-bookclub-game-night-dinner-party

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-nourishment/201612/why-we-need-each-other

Growth Mindset

One of the beautiful pieces of being human is our ability to change, learn, and grow. When we make a mistake that feels like the end of the world, shifting our attention to what we can learn from it helps lessen the sting of embarrassment. When we hold a perspective that differs from the people around us, but we’re willing to engage in a tough conversation, we open ourselves up to potential growth. Through the conversation, we may see things in a new way, or we may even inspire the other person to think about it differently. In both cases, growth is occurring. Another example of how we continually grow and evolve happens every time we face challenges. When we’re afraid, uncertain, or anxious about an upcoming situation or interaction, yet we face it head-on, we are teaching our brain that we can face scary, tough things and survive. When we face our fears, we often realize it wasn’t as terrifying as we originally thought, and we are stronger than we imagined. 

As you can see, we encounter growth opportunities all the time. The more we can lean in and embrace these moments, the more we will gain from the experience. As Carol Dweck explains in her Ted Talk, we get to choose to operate out of a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. Individuals with a fixed mindset often feel like failures when they make an error. They run from the mistake, doing everything in their power to avoid a future mess-up or imperfection. People with a growth mindset, however, view mistakes as opportunities. Through a growth mindset, we welcome new challenges and learning. 

The good news is that we can all work toward a growth mindset. Even if our current norm is to get stuck in a fixed way of seeing ourselves or a situation, we can shift to a growth mindset. “In one study, we taught [students] that every time they push out of their comfort zone to learn something new and difficult, the neurons in their brain can form new, stronger connections, and over time they can get smarter.” 

As you encounter tough situations and conversations this week, observe which mindset you automatically fall into. The ultimate goal is to approach challenges with an open mind. Ask yourself, “How can I work through this in a way that pushes me to grow, instead of giving up or digging in my heels?” 

The Benefits of Reading

As humans we are constantly reading. Whether it be the daily news, social media posts, text messages or emails, the list goes on. We read so much, we often forget it is something that can be extremely beneficial when done with intention. Just like our physical beings, our brains need exercise, and reading is one of the greatest ways to keep our minds healthy. Putting effort towards reading something substantial every single day (long or short!) has really great benefits. 

Mental Stimulation

Reading stimulates the brain and has been shown to slow the progress of potential diseases such as Alzheimer's and Dementia. It is necessary to keep your brain active and engaged to maintain its power. Keeping the brain stimulated is a form of exercising the mind which is crucial for keeping it healthy and sharp.

Stress Reduction

A reduction in stress comes as a result of setting aside time for yourself. Reading is a great addition to our routines as it gives us a moment to spend time with ourselves and enjoy the present moment. Reading allows you to relax as tension releases, whether you're curled up with a good book or an informative article.

Increase in Knowledge

We are constantly filling our minds with information, and the more knowledge we acquire, the better equipped we may be to face life's challenges. Learning is also simply fun, especially when we choose to engage in a topic that we are passionate about.

Increase in Empathy

Reading about the lives of others may take you out of your own reality for a moment and place you into someone else's shoes. Reading is a necessary tool for understanding the lives of those that differ from your own. Reading has the power to change your outlook on certain things as well, handing you the opportunity for new perspectives. 

Vocabulary Expansion

The more you read, the larger your vocabulary can grow. Simply exposing yourself to more words and ways of thinking can expand your vocabulary and assist in your ability to express your thoughts. 

Improved Memory

When we read, there are many aspects we have to retain through the storyline to properly understand what is happening on the pages in front of us. Our brains take these new memories and forge new pathways while strengthening existing ones. This assists in stabilizing moods as well as improving short term memory recall.

Improved Focus and Concentration

Reading requires focus, and while our brains may be pulled in many different directions throughout the day, it is important to set aside time to read something of substance. Our brains require concentration and focus in order to retain what we are reading, and the more we read, the more improvement we see in our ability to focus. It is shown that even just 15-20 minutes of reading a day can result in being more productive due to an increase in focus.

Improved Sleep

Picking up a book to read before falling asleep instead of spending time on your phone can lead to a more restful night's sleep. Reading something of substance is relaxing and sleep-inducing, allowing you to de-stress and release tension which results in better sleep quality. 

All of these benefits are wonderful and inspiring, but you may be thinking “what now?” We have provided a few book recommendations along with some great blogs to assist you in your reading journey. Choose something you're passionate about or something that sparks interest-- dive in, and experience all that reading has to offer. 

Book Recommendations:

—Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment

Book by Tal Ben-Shahar

—The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Book by Brené Brown

—Make Your Bed

Book by Admiral William H. McRaven

This inspiring book shows how little things can have a big impact.

Blog Recommendations:

—Pick the Brain: Grow Yourself

https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/

This blog specifically focuses on self motivation and self improvement.

—Unclutter

https://www.unclutter.com/blog/

This blog is great for assisting you in not only decluttering your space, but your mind as well. 

—Zen Habits

https://zenhabits.net

A zen-themed self improvement blog that also assists in motivation while understanding the world around us. 

References

10 Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Read Every Day. Retrieved from https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html

15 Incredible Benefits from Reading Every Day. Retrieved from https://ideapod.com/15-incredible-benefits-reading-read-every-day/