The world feels pretty scary right now. It’s easy to bunker down and cut ties with the outside world. But right now, more than ever, we need people. Even if it’s just through Zoom. Even if it’s just a phone call.
Here’s what I’m doing right now to stay connected.
- I’m tempted to stop paying for for Mastermind group. It’s expensive. But right now it’s my best source of information and my best source of calm. We’re meeting more regularly, and it helps to hear others saying, “it’s going to be okay” and sounding like they believe it.
- I’m scheduling regular social calls – whether video or by phone. Some of these are standing. Some are more impromptu. But knowing that I’m going to talk to someone who does not live in my house is key right now.
- I’m attending ALL of the webinars. Okay, maybe not all of them, but seriously a lot. When someone says, “want to come hear my webinar about how to focus at this time?”, I hit sure and sign up. And then, as much as possible, I go. Again, hearing others speaking calm, reassuring words at this time helps me.
- I’m attending a lot of virtual happy hours. Gathering, chatting, complaining, sighing… it’s all good.
- I’m on social more than typical, which means I’m on a lot. I’ve switched during the day from Facebook to LinkedIn. Facebook was becoming overwhelming, so for the first time in the 11 years we’ve been in business, I actually have a timer for FB during the day. It locks me out after an hour. (But that’s only between 9 and 5, so I still have plenty of time to socialize there in the evenings.) And I’m using my time on social to answer questions, to help where I can, to share resources, to offer words of encouragement. Because when I do that, *I* feel better. I’m also trying to consume content that is informative but also positive and uplifting.
- I’m not mindlessly watching news coverage. I go watch intentionally once or twice a day. But right now it’s not like 100 people aren’t posting if there’s headline/breaking news. While the information on the news is sometimes helpful, it also feels isolating. And stressful. It doesn’t help me feel more connected. It just makes me more afraid.
- I’m thinking of starting my own “office hours” Zoom time where people can show up and chat with me if they like. I’m doing it for others but I’m also doing it for me.
So, I’m interested to hear… what are you doing to stay connected at this time?