Social-distancing challenges our natural instincts
by Jalen Beliveau
As state after state locks down, citizens have been asked to go against their natural instincts and distance themselves from others.
Nicholas Christakis, a social scientist at Yale University, told Science Magazine, “The coronavirus spreading around the world is calling on us to suppress our profoundly human and evolutionarily hard-wired impulses for connection: seeing our friends, getting together in groups, or touching each other.”
NBC News, reports people should be keeping healthy habits, such as exercising, being calm and aware of your emotions, and staying connected with people through FaceTime or phone calls. It is difficult for people to not communicate or go about their daily schedules. Going outside in your yard, bringing the dog for a walk, or any type of physical activity can be essential to some people for amounts of serotonin. Emily Roberts, a psychologist, told NBC, “If you’re not sick, going outside safely to get some vitamin D from sunlight and fresh air can be very helpful.”
The Coronavirus has generated a fear throughout the nation and a sense of detachment. Luckily, people can still keep in touch through social media. Keeping in touch is important for mental health experts say, as well as staying up to date on normal routines.
Christakis told Science Magazine, “We are fortunate to live in an era where technology will allow us to see and hear our friends and family, even from a distance.”
Other countries have shown significant reductions in deaths and cases after social distancing. According to Business Insider other countries like China have gotten the spread of the virus now under control. China is where the virus originated and used social distancing as a measure to combat it. As the rest of the world self-quarantines it is in hopes COVID-19 will be contained and life can return to normal.
As advised by Governor Chris Sununu and other Governors, people should keep distancing and self-quarantining. “We just have to make the best of what we got and do what they say, stay at home, spend time with your loved ones, and stay safe,” said Rhode Island College nursing student Laura Martin.
“Hope everyone is doing well and this article helps! Remember we are all going through the same thing and will get through this pandemic together. For now reach out to loved ones and stay safe.”
Reporter Jalen Beliveau
