Don’t Let The Pandemic Winter Get You Down: 9 Creative Ways To Socialize Safely

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Meredith Miotke for NPR





Enlarge this image


Meredith Miotke for NPR





Enlarge this image


Meredith Miotke for NPR





Enlarge this image


Meredith Miotke for NPR





Enlarge this image


Meredith Miotke for NPR





Enlarge this image


Meredith Miotke for NPR





Meredith Miotke for NPR

«Brainstorm and think about things that could be helpful moving forward,» Garfin says, «before that kind of depression sets in.»

It may sound obvious but taking the time to acknowledge what you’re grateful for really helps with the blues, notes Holt-Lunstad.

«Research has shown that expressions of gratitude actually are associated with lower loneliness,» she says. «Even if you can’t get together with your family … maybe reach out to them and make a special effort to express your gratitude for that person.»

That can «increase social bonding, reduce loneliness» and help you both focus on what you do have, instead of what you’ve lost because of the pandemic.

• social connection


• social isolation


• loneliness