Growing Closer In Times of Social Distancing

For a large percentage of the population, this is one of the scariest times we can remember. For others, it is difficult to gain enough perspective to be able to take in the magnitude of what is happening. And for so many, this is coming after several years of concerning political, environmental, and socio-economic trends. Add to it that we're now more likely to be isolated, indoors, and less active. It can be depressing. Yet, I'm feeling inspired. And because I think we could all use some positivity in this time, I'm going to share why:

Physical Distancing NOT Social Distancing

First off; language matters. And while limiting your contact with others is seen as critical to preventing Covid-19 from spreading further, increasingly authorities are changing their language to "physical distancing" instead of "social distancing." According to Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove of the World Health Organization, speaking at a virtual press conference on Friday March 20, the move to use “physical distancing" comes from a desire to highlight the right behaviour; “keeping the physical distance from people so that we can prevent the virus from transferring to one another.” The term "social distancing" is the opposite of what we need; as social connection is more important than ever at this time.

I applaud this change, because the thing that has me most inspired is all of the creative ways that we are finding to be together, while we're apart. So, yes to all the #physicaldistancing the professionals recommend; but down with the #socialdistancing

Using Technology To Get More Human?

Next, technologies like Zoom, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, Skype, etc. make connecting virtually relatively simple. In Covid times, our imaginations are one of the only limiting factors to how these can be used. And while some may assume that using technology could remove the human element, what I've observed in these first few weeks of #shelterinplace is anything but. Of course, a screen is no replacement for the real thing, but it's been amazing to see the creativity of "staying connected" during this unprecedented time.

This morning a colleague remarked that in the past week she has seen the "human side" to more of our colleagues than ever before. Children are joining conference calls, partners are joining happy hours, pets are sharing their opinions on strategy. That context about who someone is outside of work is just much less likely to make it into your normal in-office meeting. And quite frankly, it's a nice respite in this current climate.

I myself was much more "social" this weekend than is standard. For me I usually have one or two events on a weekend. Yet, this weekend, I had happy hour with 25+ colleagues around the world to wish a departing colleague well in their next adventure. I had "drinks" with my girl friends, as well as several of their husbands/partners and children. My family and I got together for what will be a new weekly normal of "virtual family dinners" where we'll cook the same meal and eat together. I did online yoga.

Chaos can introduce a new sense of order, and my hope is that we come out of this more connected than before. We have certainly seen exactly how closely our fates are linked, and we're seeing the power of our devices to create community in different ways.

#Covid-19 has the potential to bring with it a crisis of loneliness, however with some reimagining, we can ensure that physical distancing doesn't have to equal social distancing. Here are some of my favourite virtual connections I've seen over the weekend. I hope it leaves more than just me feeling optimistic.

#virtualwedding

An acquaintance went ahead with her wedding, complete with Zoom toasts to the happy couple and a care package with their favours, menus, etc. I was so touched by the way that they and their love ones adapted plans to still make their day feel ultra special. FYI; A quick scan of the news shows they weren't alone. Here are other couples who got married on Zoom (via Quartz), Facebook Live (via Fox) and a Spanish couple who got married on their balcony (via The Guardian).

(Source: Katie Clark, Stefan & Audrey Photography)

#virtualsendoff

Wishing a colleague well with a virtual going away celebration:

(Source: My screen, Good luck, Dan!)

#virtualbirthday

A colleague celebrating his son's ninth birthday:

(Source: Bob Fawson)

#virtualdanceparty

When DOESN'T it help to dance something off?

(Source: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/at-home-dance-parties-are-helping-people-shake-off-the-self-isolation-jitters-1.4860419)

#virtualwatercoolers

Your Monday morning catch up can still happen, and you can even invite guest participants to share their weekend highlights:

(Source: Michel Guidi, LinkedIn).

#virtualphysicaltraining

The CEO of South Downs Leisure, Duncan Anderson, a charitable trust that provides four different gym/fitness center sites, has made this Self Isolation Workout available to all:

(Source: Emma Cooper, Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLgfW5E1kWM).

#virtualparties

Whether it was replacing a dinner party or a girls night out, your web sharing platform of choice meant you could laugh, cry and/or anything in between.

#virtualindustrymeetups

This is no time to put your personal development on pause. For those where inbound demand is down, it's a great time to #upskill. For those that are still going strong, you still need to network.

(Source: WIRe, Women In Research)

Those are just a few of the things I saw this weekend which made me feel better about humanity's response to this pandemic. As I shared these stories with others today, I learned about even more. Concerts held from the front porch of a neighbour. Opening the front door to find a jar of fresh chicken soup from the house next door. Virtually watching a movie with your cousins. Especially right now, highlighting these positive stories provides a much needed balance to what we see on the news. I'd love to hear examples and/or photos of what has left you feeling inspired or optimistic in the comments section.