We can only get through this together

By Trey Spaulding
SAN LUIS VALLEY - As our lifestyle in the San Luis Valley has changed for the foreseeable future, our community stands together, as always, supporting one another during times of need. While the community is responding appropriately and we strive to keep the Valley at the peak of its resilience, there are ongoing concerns about social isolation.
Simple daily routines are causing anxiety. Pumping gas, opening doors, entering your PIN number on the touchpad at the cashier register, waiting in lines, opening envelopes, using a public toilet, and even petting a dog.
Overnight the residents of the Valley have developed obsessive compulsive behavioral disorders. We are washing, sanitizing and disinfecting our hands so often that they look like shriveled up prunes. For many of us, social isolation causes anxiety, and in the worse cases depression.
In times of anxiety caused by uncertainty we need more than ever to have social interaction and comfort. Often, we found solace in going to church, visiting with close friends or seeing a mental health counselor. Unfortunately we currently cannot fall upon these social mainstays to revive our mental well-being. Currently the safest option for us is conversing through social media, cell phones or online platforms.
It is important to remember that social distancing does not have to include social isolation. Instead social distancing should be called physical distancing. The human race finds comfort in numbers, not in isolation. During times of uncertainty this can be challenging, particularly when it comes to the development of feelings of anxiety or social isolation. While schools and businesses have closed to create social distancing and prevent the spread COVID-19, social isolation does not need to be the result.
There are a variety of techniques that can be used to help prevent feelings of isolation from developing. Just as every individual is unique, the preferred skills for self-regulation will also be unique; therefore, the more tools you have in your toolbox, the better. There are many things that you can do to avoid feelings of isolation and hopelessness. The water levels of the Rio Grande river are perfect for spring fishing. The weather is warming up and it is time to begin to plant your gardens. It is time now to prepare you planting beds and to plant onions, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, lettuce, kale and chard. Many find gardening to be therapeutic and growing your own vegetables should provide relief of worry about whose hands touched your vegetables. Play chess, cribbage, bridge online with your friends where you have audio and/or video interaction. Finish a book or that restoration project that you started years ago.
You cannot go to the gym but the San Luis Valley has dozens of beautiful hikes that will provide exercise, tranquility and a relief in your stress level. Get outside and go for a walk, feel the ground beneath your feet, the warmth of the sun on your skin and each inhalation of fresh air deep down into your chest.
Use your personal resources. A resource can be people, places, things, spiritual guidance, hobby or experience that when you think about it sparks joy or calm on the inside. Taking the time to enjoy moments such as these can prevent feelings of anxiety during uncertainties and help to expand our zones of resilience as we strive to overcome hardships.
Reach out. Call, text or use FaceTime with your friends and loved ones. Times of struggle and uncertainty shouldn’t lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
We will all get through this but we need to get through it together and not alone.