Isolation can be used as a gauge of where we might be in our own personal mental state of mind. Research truly shows the risk presented by social isolation is very similar in magnitude to that of obesity, lack of access to care and physical inactivity or even smoking. Researchers have weighted several standard measures of social isolation, frequency of religious service attendance, including marital status, club meetings/group activities and number of close friends or relatives. Those who are lonely may slip into unhealthy habits, even lack of encouragement from family or friends can deeply effect those in social isolation. This state of loneliness and level of stress impede true rest and can harm the body and augment depression or anxiety.
So what have we learned from something of a so called “Pandemic”, which has forced our nation and the globe to be in a state of social isolation. We’ve learned thus far that social closeness, the activity of relational communication and or socializing is very important to our very mental health. It affects us in ways we couldn’t have conceived before this time, and we feel the gravity and weight of a world without it.
So, what now? How do we prioritize relationship with others now that we are “allowed” to be together. How do perceive our lives through the lens of relational health? What has this “CO-VID” given us instead of taken from us in this time? Finally, what does a future look like when we truly realize what is vital to our humanity?
I’ll leave you with a quote I read as of recent which made quite an impact on me to sum it all up:
“Traffic has gone, fuel is affordable, bills extended, kids are at home with their families. Parents are home taking care and connecting with their children. Fast food has been replaced by home cooked meals. Hectic Schedules replaced by naps, rest and relaxation. The air is cleaner, the world is quieter. People are conscious of hygiene and health. Money doesn’t make the world go around anymore. Designer clothes are a bit pointless as we never really needed them anyways. Doctor, teachers and nurses have never been more praised in our society. Most of all, God still seems to be enthroned and in the middle; restoring peace to turmoil.”
SELAH, CO-VID PANDEMIC
