5 Things That Will Pick You Up Right Now

I don't know about you, but the whole sheltering-in-place and social distancing protocols are wearing a little thin!

Or maybe they're wearing me a little heavier! #quarantineweightgain

To combat my loneliness and longing for connection with friends and human interaction, I've begun adding a few things to my routine.

And I thought you might need an idea or two to help you do the same.

Here are 5 things I've done lately:

1. Call (or text) friends you don't connect with all the time.

Like me, you've probably got a short list of people you talk with all the time, and a long list of people who bring a smile when you see and a laugh when you talk with. If you're like me, you've got friends like that across the country (or even around the world). Why not add the practice of checking in with a couple (or 5!) of those friends a day?

2. Send something to bring joy to friends and family.

My wife is the best at this. She finds the best things to send or have delivered. Their joy upon receiving is very rewarding. And when it's unexpected it is just awesome!

3. Share a "discussable" book with your team or friends.

This is definitely in my wheelhouse already, but even more engaging right now. A couple books I've used in the past are The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More and Change the Way You Lead Forever and Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well. I just recently shared Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries.

4. Move the lawn chair (and fire pit) to the driveway.

I learned this one from my good friend Ricci. We still need to make it happen more often, but especially right now, it's a good way to see your neighbors when they're outside!

5. Go out of your way to thank frontline workers, grocery store checkers and delivery drivers.

Saying thank you is a start. Offering a generous tip is often appreciated. Looking them in the eye (when you can) and expressing your appreciation for their service is a game-changer.

These are just my current ideas. What are you doing to pick yourself and others up?