Dale Atkins is a licensed psychologist with 40+ years in private practice. She focuses on families and wellness.

Dale has published seven books. And she speaks, lectures, and leads seminars. And has appeared on CNN and NBC.

MakeUsWell CEO, Mike Critelli said, "Dale started her career focused on children with hearing loss. She has deep knowledge on the role of hearing in brain development."

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Isolation and loneliness are key issues in our post-pandemic world.

The COVID-19 crisis has actually distracted us from this issue. We may believe loneliness will go away when the pandemic ends.

Wrong!

Loneliness will continue after the pandemic is in the rearview mirror.

Isolation and loneliness weaken our immune systems and make us more susceptible to all kinds of illnesses and diseases. Loneliness can be deadly. Multiple studies estimate the incidence of premature deaths from loneliness or isolation at ~14-28%.

Socially isolated individuals can suffer from loneliness even when not alone. Physical distancing isn't the same as social distancing. Let's increase social connectedness while we remain physically distant.

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Techniques

How can we contain loneliness and isolation during times of physical distancing?

• Practice acts of kindness toward others. This will bring structure and energy to your life, independent of what you choose to do. Start by being kind to yourself. Use a moderate, loving and accepting language and tone when talking to yourself. Being punitive and belittling is cruel.
• Listen to your body. Respond gently with what you do, how you move, what you eat, and how you connect with your spiritual self. Take the time to savor and be present.
• Be social with those who serve you coffee, drive the bus, or deliver your packages. This can be as beneficial as the connections with family and long-time friends you can't see in person. As you connect positively with others, you will activate the warmth of your fond memories with your absent loved ones.
• Find people to help you. And thank them when they help. Brighten someone's day with a compliment and you'll feel better. Charitable acts activate pleasurable areas of the brain --- multiple researchers validated the “helper high" phenomenon.
• Don't believe the worst about this crisis. Learn from the abundant, balanced commentary from credible scientific and medical people. Fear of low-probability negative events increases anxiety. Disconnect from social media in the morning or at bedtime.
• Do simple exercises to keep your body healthy. Controlled breathing or staring at your desk-plant works. And can distract you from the sources of your work stress. Soothing rituals like walking, showering, stretching, or journaling will de-stress you.
• Realize that we'll get through this crisis because we've survived others. Remember, you and your ancestors overcame hard times. And you're not the only person confronting whatever crisis you have or can imagine having.
• Focus on what you can control. You'll feel better if you can accomplish something, however small. This will help you feel connected with other humans. And more in control of your life.
• Schedules, plans, and goals all bring structure. And reinforce your purpose and wellbeing. Learning—music, dance, gardening, cooking, or baking—works. Art focuses you on beautiful images and thoughts. And elevates you to schedule autonomy.