Dear MDECOE community,
The new academic year has arrived, and with it comes opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, students, and friends in the workplace. “Connection with people is an inherent aspect of our human society. We seek out and lean on human interaction when we are experiencing the stress of life's challenges. This biological programming drives us to gather in groups, usually shielding us from mental and physical harm. The COVID-19 pandemic challenges us to be creative in how we maintain our social connections, and manage our mental and physical health,” states Jennifer Wickham, a licensed professional counselor, in her article in the Mayo Clinic Heath System Journal.
Here are some thoughts about safely when connecting with others:
- Spend time with family, colleagues, and friends whom you trust to follow safety protocol, even when vaccinated.
- Recognize we do not live in isolation. Our interconnectedness and choices affect others in our community, which affects people in neighboring communities, regions and so on.
- Think about friends and loved ones in your life who you are protecting by your actions.
- Recognize how you are protecting others by protecting people close to you.
- Think about what personal and community protection means to you. How does this feel? What value does this represent?
- Spend time sensing and feeling the importance of living your community values in your mind and body.
- Inspire, encourage and recognize others for following protective strategies, such as getting vaccinated.
Finally, recognize that when we act together to maintain safety during this pandemic, we are connecting and bonding. We are acting out the best parts of humanity.
To read more, go to https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/maintaining-human-connection-in-time-of-physical-distancing
For a list of many self-care options, please see our COE self-care website for resources for faculty, staff, students, and the community at:
https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/self-care/articles-information-self-care
May we all stay safe and healthy as we reconnect this fall.
Warmly,
Shari