Week 2: Connect with Others

Connecting with others is one of the most important things we can do for our well-being. God made us to be in relationship with others and we are social creatures. Connecting with others is especially helpful for navigating times of uncertainty or change.

Social connection lowers anxiety and depression, helps us regulate our emotions, and improves our self- esteem and empathy.

Connecting in a pandemic is hard, especially when we are told to stay physically apart. Take a moment today to think about the connections that are most important to you. Jot down ideas on how you can connect with friends regularly, or schedule a regular call, video chat, or virtual game night with those you want to connect with. You can even share pictures of how you connect with a friend on social media using the hashtag #StayConnectedMN.

For some ideas, check out these resources:

o   Supporting Senior Mental Well-Being in Congregate Living, Minnesota Department of Health. https://www.health.state.mn.us/docs/communities/mentalhealth/covidsupportseniors.pdf

o   Kind Action, SELspace. https://selspace.ca/modules/kind-action/

o   Random Acts of Kindness Ideas, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas

When connecting with those close to you, remember, it is OK to talk about how you are feeling. In fact, we should talk about our feelings. Especially during this pandemic, it is OK to not be OK. Reach out to a friend, family member, pastor, BeFriender minister, neighbor, or crisis line if you want to talk. No concern is too small. Help is available and hope is possible.

• Minnesota WarmLine Peer Support Connection: call or text 844-739-6369 (5 p.m. to 9 a.m.)

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

“To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care.” – Mandy Hale, author and blogger