Keeping in touch

It's fair to say that things are a little different at the moment. I've heard the term "unprecedented times" so frequently over the last couple of weeks, it's almost become commonplace. The current situation is anything but, so what can we do? Humans are, by nature, sociable creatures, but the very essence of our being has been forced to live in unnatural circumstances. Parents have been juggling the critical work/life balance, with home schooling added into the mix now schools have closed. Many have relied on family help with childcare that is now redundant as relatives are in isolation. Birthday parties, holidays, weddings, and other events have all been cancelled, leaving disappointment and uncertainty as to when or if they will go ahead in the future. Many shops, restaurants and bars are closed making common socialising and celebratory venues a thing of the past. People are struggling financially, despite the government announcing provision for both employed and self-employed people. Key workers are living on the frontline, exposing themselves to danger every single day. People are being affected both physically and mentally. We need each other more than ever, here are a few ideas to consider: Call friends and relatives to check on them, either with a normal audio or video call Write to each other Take a walk outside (observing social distancing of course) - the fresh air and sunshine does the world of good Get the kids to play in the garden Get the kids doing arts and crafts Play games and quizzes over video call or other links such as Zoom and Houseparty Cook and bake together Carry out a random act of kindness Listen to music, dance together Go through old photos and share them Try a new hobby Write a journal Send a little gift to your friends and family - this could be a small token to help with mental wellbeing Write to each other As an advocate for everything handwritten, nothing evokes emotion like seeing your loved one's handwriting. Once it's written down, it's there. It can't be unwritten or deleted by mistake. Instantly recognisable just from the envelope, seeing familiar writing has a way of making someone feel loved and cared for. It's a boost to self-esteem and mental wellbeing. It's personal, it's meaningful and reading an email in Arial font just doesn't convey the same empathy or feeling as it would if it was handwritten. In the digital world that we live in, going back to basics and writing to each other will leave a lasting impression much longer than receiving anything electronically. Handwriting captures the moment, it's a way to share your thoughts and feelings. Those cards and letters are often kept as memories, and can be transformed into keepsakes. If I could have written this entire blog by hand I would, but it would have taken you a long time to read and an awful lot of scrolling! In these unprecedented times, (there it is again) keeping in touch with elderly relatives is especially important. They may not have access to technology, they may feel isolated and are missing social aspects of friends and family life, including not seeing the grandchildren. Just receiving a card in the post could really make their day. With a drawing added, it not only gets the kids creating, but is something that Nanny and Grandad can keep to remind them how much they are loved and missed. I currently have a competition running on my page for children to create a masterpiece or write something special. The winner will have their creation printed on an item of their choice. This could be a lovely gift for someone and also a keepsake. Full details of the competition is here Not just for the elderly, why not write to other family and friends too. Do you know someone who works for the NHS? Write them a little note telling them how much they're appreciated. Miss your bestie? Write to them, tell them. There are so many stationery suppliers out there, but as a small business owner myself I like to support other small businesses where possible. These cute cards from local artist Karen Perry are one of many hand drawn designs suitable for any occasion. Feel free to check out her notebooks and writing paper too, with many designs for both adults and children. together with many other products.