17 Ways You Can Feel Connected to Yourself and Others

Photo:

Leonardo de la Cuesta/Getty Images

Journaling has so many benefits. It might be the easiest way to reflect, as you can use it to take stock of your thoughts and emotions. The act of writing down your feelings can be cathartic for some. And who knows? You might even discover something new about yourself when you write things down.

Photo:

Hoxton/Tom Merton/Getty Images

A little bit of mindfulness during your day can help you feel more in tune with your body and surroundings. Meditation can also help with stress, anxiety, mood levels, and sleep. And if that's not quite your thing, setting aside some time to just be still and quiet during the day is another option, too.

Photo:

Hero Images/Getty Images

Make an effort to take some breaks throughout the day and check in with yourself and your emotions. It can be so easy to get caught up with whatever you're doing, especially if you're juggling a lot of things while working from home.

Photo:

Marija Savic/Stocksy

Just moving your body can make you feel more connected to yourself. Exercise is also a great form of stress release and helps clear your head.

Photo:

Guille Faingold/Stocksy

If you're able to, take a day off to spend solo. Do the things that make you happy. It might be a bit limited right now, but you can cook, read, work out, even take a nap. Everyone needs a mental health day every now and then.

Photo:

Guilia de Felice/EyeEm

It's so easy to get caught up in bad feelings that we can forget to think about the things that are good in our lives. Thinking about what you're grateful for and writing it down or saying it out loud can lift your spirits and provide a different perspective. It can also help you prioritize what's important to you and what your goals are.

Photo:

Aliaksandra Ivanova/EyeEm/Getty Images

We can be so hard on ourselves, so be kind to yourself and do one nice thing for YOU. That might mean taking a relaxing bath at the end of the day, buying yourself a little gift, or watching your favorite movie.

Photo:

Jennifer Brister/Stocksy

It can be difficult to connect with strangers with social-distancing guidelines and everyone on edge. But if given the opportunity, a small act of kindness can go a long way and make a difference in someone's day. It can be doing something nice for your neighbor or even just being extra patient when you're in a public space.

Photo:

We Are/Getty Images

A small act of kindness can make someone's day, and a simple thank-you can do the same. With most people wearing masks out, your interactions with others can seem so impersonal, but greeting others and saying thank you can make the situations a little less awkward.

Photo:

pansfun Images/Stocksy

You might have already been doing this during quarantine. If so, keep at it. But if there's someone on your mind who you haven't spoken to yet, why not reach out via text, email, or even a phone call?

Photo:

Nicky Lloyd/Getty Images

Receiving snail mail is just so special, especially since we do a lot of corresponding electronically. Writing a letter is a sweet way to surprise someone

Photo:

Westend61/EyeEm

It might be hard to meet in person right now, but that's where the internet comes in handy. If you want to get more involved in your community, you can join a group that shares your interests and goals. It's a great way to meet new people and have more purpose.

Photo:

Lumina/Stocksy

Yes, social media can be toxic at times, but there are some pockets of these platforms that have supportive and helpful communities. It might take some time, but you could just find a new group of people to lean on.

Photo:

Studio Firma/Stocksy

Everyone has a different communication style, but now might be a good time to think about what your own style is and how you're communicating with others. Are Zoom calls getting stale? It might be time to move to the phone. Does texting feel impersonal? Maybe you want to try something else.

Photo:

Johner Images/Getty Images

You might not be able to get your friends together for an in-person hangout for a while, but you can get everyone together over Zoom or FaceTime to catch up.

Photo:

Hero Images/Getty Images

There might come a time when you're ready to meet up with friends or family, while social distancing, of course. So when you do get some precious face time with your loved ones, ditch your phone and other distractions so you can really savor the moment. The same goes if you're quarantining with others—when you're spending time with them, make it a point to really be present.

Photo:

Hirurg/Getty Images

Whether you're meeting up IRL, talking on the phone, or chatting over Zoom, you'll want to give the people your full attention. Half-listening or giving into distractions will stop you from truly connecting with someone.

Next up: 22 Awkward Social Situations You Might Experience During COVID-19 and How to Deal