Sadly, for all the people who are loving themselves sick in isolation, there are also plenty of others who are not. So here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to reach out to those who might need it more than us.
If you’re savoring isolation, ask yourself if you know any of the following people and do something small for them.
1. The friend who has lost their job
We all know multiple people who have lost their jobs at the moment. Think about those around you and reach out to the ones who you know may be struggling. You don’t need to pay their rent or mortgage, but offer an ear and a cup of tea (virtually of course!). Drop off some Easter goodies if they live locally and you’re able. There are so many great ways to show you’re there for someone, even just a text to let them know you’re thinking of them.
2. Single friends in isolation
A lot of our readers have kids, and while they can be a challenge at times too, how do you think it would feel to be in isolation all alone? Do you know of anyone who might struggle with social isolation that could need some cheering up? Set up a weekly time to check in via the HouseParty app. Organize virtual drinks where they can hear your kids whining and realize their quiet lives aren’t so bad after all… Jokes! But you get the point. Cheer up your lonely friends.
3. Pregnant friend
Wait. I have a pregnant sister, I’m going to send her a message NOW. Check in on your pregnant friends. Be an ear if they’re stressed about anything, ask for bump pics. They might be super excited to continue to celebrate their pregnancy but have nobody to share it with.
4. New parents
Just like your pregnant friend, new parents may also be dying to send out baby spam to their friends and family but feeling awkward about doing it during these times. Hit up your new parent friends for baby spam, ask if they need diapers or anything, and be there to coo over their little bundle from a very safe distance through your phone or tablet.
5. Parents working from home
This last one covers a great many of us these days which is both a blessing and a curse. If you know of a parent who is working from home, send vodka. Ha! OK I’m joking. Send them this link of all the ways their kids can learn online, or this one about all the virtual tours they can go on with the kids. And memes. Lots of memes about working at home with kids.
Any parent attempting to work from home deserves to be checked on. Ask how they’re coping, can you help at all, or even just tell them they’re doing great and you get it. You too fell asleep at the laptop and woke up with Vegemite toast stuck to the front of your shirt and didn’t notice until halfway through a video conference. Every working parent understands the struggles of the juggle and should not feel alone.
So there you go. If you’re not struggling too much yourself, now is the time to reach out to those around you who might be. Do it now. Just send one message, or even tag someone in this post to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Trust me when I say it will make a difference.
