As social restrictions ease across our states and territories, there are millions of excited Australians experiencing social interaction, in person, for the first time in months.

And as many are experiencing, the after effects of catching up with loved ones, sharing a drink with mates, kids playing with friends and the feeling of warmth and energy that comes from human interaction will still be fresh.

But what is arguably just as important as the restrictions start to ease, is the concept of continuing a certain level of the digital connection that we have embraced throughout lockdown.

Online video conferencing participation has skyrocketed through this time, virtual “houseparties” have become a thing, grandparents are reading stories over the internet to their grandchildren, more people are getting their pilates sessions done from the comfort of their own home, and many employees have realised that flying from Melbourne to Sydney for that meeting once a fortnight may not need to happen as often.

Additionally, given the “easing” of restrictions will likely be followed by a cautious period of human interaction, and large gatherings and workplaces are still generally off limits, digital connectivity is going to remain a high priority to ensure social and emotional wellbeing is tended to by many.

Given the changes happening now (and the potential tendency to forget the benefits of the digital connectedness many have enjoyed over the last 2 months), we have shared 3 simple tips to help get the most out of digital connectivity as society progresses.

Tip 1: Keep regular digital contact with your remote family, friends and co-workers

Domestic and international travel is still restricted, meaning that family and friends living abroad or interstate are still unable to catch up in the flesh.

This may cause frustration and even envy of others that perhaps live in closer confines, so continuing regular contact via video conferencing or the “old school” phone call will be even more important as restrictions ease.

A good idea is to set up a regular calendar invite to keep the consistency going, you just choose how frequently you want to catch up. And of course, any interaction on top of the regular, scheduled contact is just a bonus!

Tip 2: Keep fun digital options available

No doubt after 2 months, workers are getting a bit tired of the monotony of ‘dialling in’ to a meeting, waiting for a few stragglers to virtually “arrive”, and battling through sharing a screen to show a spreadsheet to the group.

Consider using more visually diverse options for meetings, such as interactive presentations, some pre-recorded video snippets, telling a story or a joke to kick things off, or getting the group to do 10 push ups together to get the meeting started!

Similarly, when connecting digitally with friends and family, fun quizzes, music videos and sharing old and embarrassing photos can be ways to keep the laughs and entertainment going online.

Tip 3: Remember to take a digital break!

Finally, we should make note of the fact that the wonderful feeling of catching up with people again is for good reason, and that digital interaction does not directly replace human contact and the emotional connection that can be experienced in its purest form.

If digital connection is still the only option for you, make sure you plan some “digital disconnection” and break up the week with some curfews and restrictions of your own when it comes to time on your phone, laptop, and Zoom presence.

As we return slowly to a level of “normality”, the learnings and experiences of digital connection throughout the last 2 months are unprecedented, and there will be many positives to take away from the digital skills developed by society.

Blog post written by Pinnacle Health Group. Visit their website: https://pinnaclehealthgroup.com.au/.