Had Enough of Zoom? Try These 4 Connection Hacks Today To Fight Zoom Fatigue

Last week, we talked about what happens when a person is deprived of social touch--a situation many are experiencing nowadays with strict social distancing protocols and even lockdowns in some locations, thanks to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic. Even once the strictest limitations are lifted, it’s unlikely we’ll be going out and hugging strangers or friends any time soon.

In case you missed it, the tl;dr is this: going too long without human contact can lead to noticeable psychological and even physical effects, including symptoms that mimic depression and reduced immune system functioning. Yikes.

We’ve all tried filling the gaps left by that social contact, but there are only so many Zoom happy hours a person can attend, right? And it turns out all that time on Zoom might be tiring you out, even if it fills a need for conversation and interaction.

But going forever without contact isn’t healthy, either, so we have to find a way to get through until it’s safe to be close to our friends and loved ones again. Here are some ideas to tide you over during this time of social distancing:

1. Snuggle something non-human

   Whether it’s a pet, a favorite stuffy, one of those massive body pillows, or an ultra-soft blanket, find something you can snuggle up with and go with the flow for a while. Let your skin enjoy cuddling something soft and warm. Studies have shown that massage benefits the person giving it as much as the person receiving it, so go ahead and give your pet some extra belly rubs. 

2. Do activities that stimulate your skin connection

   You know those funny-looking scalp massager things with the wires protruding from them? A great tool for right now when you’re not getting much contact with others. Massagers, applying lotion, wearing ultra-soft clothing, and other activities that stimulate your skin with soft sensations are helpful for triggering your skin’s CT fibers, the same sensors that pick up on social touch.

3. Try foot to foot contact

   This one won’t be for you if you have a foot-phobia, but if you’re living on your own and really want to hug a friend, the next best thing might be this: meet up in a sunny, outdoor space while wearing masks, sit down on the ground, and press your feet to your friend’s feet. The length of your legs will keep you the recommended six feet apart, and you’ll get some of that crucial skin-to-skin contact without the risk of touching your face afterward.

4. Ramp up other kinds of intimacy and connection

   We may not be able to be physically connected to others right now, but we can trigger happy chemicals in our brains by focusing on other kinds of intimacy. Sending care packages, checking in by phone or text message, writing letters, or doing activities together from afar (reading the same book or meditating at the same time) can all foster intimacy with our loved ones in powerful ways that can help fill the gap left by physical touch.

Someday, we’ll be back to hugging friends, giving high-fives, getting massages, playing sports, and doing all the other things that bring us into contact with other people. It’ll be a great day when it arrives. Until then, though, we can use some of these other strategies to help ourselves get through this time in a healthy, nourishing way that’s focused on safety and self-care.

And just in case you need it, we’re sending you a virtual hug, too.

Do you find yourself missing physical contact with others right now? How are you coping? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

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