Connections

• When was the last time you had all the time in the world with your family? Being at home means you now have more time to appreciate and engage with them.  Here are some ideas for activities you could try doing together:
  • Dedicate some time each day to engage with each other as a family. It could be as simple as sharing a meal together, or sitting down in the evening to chat about how the day went. During this time, really pay attention to your loved ones and listen to what they are saying – do put away your smartphones!
  • If you run out of things to talk about, now may be a good time to watch TV together (a Netflix marathon perhaps!), catch up on shows or favourite movies.
  • Cook or bake together.
  • Bring out the board games!
  • Find an enjoyable exercise routine that everyone can do together. There are many free programmes available on Youtube or certain apps offering fun activities like group yoga and family workouts. 
• Elderly family members are gatekeepers to the past, having lived through key moments in history. Many, if not all of them, would have great stories to tell about their past. If you have not already tried, take the opportunity to sit down with them, and ask them to share about their experiences growing up. Not only would you get a great history lesson, you would also gain a better understanding and appreciation of your family roots. 
• Organize, review and filter your circle of friends. Reflect on the people in your life and the quality of your relationships with each one. Prioritize keeping connections with those friends who have had a positive impact on your mental health.
• Write down the names of all the people you know, especially loved ones whom you haven’t been in touch with for a long time. Set aside some time catching up with at least one person each day, whether through phone or video calls.
• Write down the names of all the people you have hurt or wronged in the past. Have you made amends with them? If not, take this time to reach out to them and solve matters, by communicating honestly and if needed, apologizing for your mistakes. 
• Last but not least, remember that living under the same roof also means learning to live together with your loved ones. You might experience more clashes and conflicts with your family, especially during this time of heightened uncertainty. Do your best to practise tolerance and give each other space. If you are finding it difficult to get along with a family member or loved one, use this time to work constructively through your issues. That might mean setting aside time to communicate honestly with each other, or asking another family member to step in as a mediator. 

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This article was produced by SOLS Health. If you need someone to talk to, contact them at 018-6640247 or visit their website https://www.solshealth.org , as they provide online counseling sessions in addition to other services.