The SECCO Wine Club Guide to Social Distancing

Now, more than ever, we must come together to support each other…but how do you do that while practicing social distancing? 

 

Along with the fear of becoming ill and spreading that illness to others, the fear of isolation is very real. That’s why it’s important to focus on the positives. At SECCO Wine Club, one of our biggest motivators is love. Love for wine, yes. But also love for family, friends, neighbors, and especially self-love. But, how do we share our love for each other when practicing social distancing?

By thinking of “social distancing” as “social solidarity.” We may need to maintain physical distance, but it’s important not to emotionally distance ourselves from each other. Social distancing is a way of standing in solidarity with family, loved ones, and strangers to protect the most vulnerable of us. 

So, while it may seem like a great time to sit at home and drink wine–because it IS– use the SECCO Wine Club Guide to Social Distancing to help you stay connected healthy, and in good spirits. 

But first, what exactly is social distancing?

 

What is Social Distancing?

Social Distancing is one of the most important things you can be doing right now for your health and for the health of others. You’ve most likely seen the cancellation and closure of a wide variety of events, schools, and businesses. While this may be annoying and problematic, it’s all in the name of public health. 

Social distancing is meant to deter large crowds and increase the physical space between people. Even if someone isn’t experiencing symptoms, they may still have the illness and are fully capable of transmitting it to others. So, while it’s not fool-proof, social distancing does lessen the spread of COVID-19 (the disease caused by the novel coronavirus). 

By slowing down the spread, it decreases the likelihood that hospitals will become overwhelmed by serious cases. The better prepared our hospitals are, the more people they’ll be able to help.

Even if your community hasn’t officially requested its citizens to practice social distancing, here are some measures you should take if you’re able:

• Work from home
• Keep your children home from school
• Only leave your house for essentials
• Cancel or postpone events

Not everyone will be able to fully participate in social distancing. So if you CAN, you SHOULD. 

High-risk individuals are being asked to self-quarantine because of the serious complications that could result from the illness. People in that group include the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with heart and lung disorders. That might be your parents, grandparents, or even yourself.

Regardless of who is in the high-risk group, we should all be practicing social distancing for the good of everyone. 

The SECCO Wine Club Guide to Social Distancing

Alright, enough with the scary stuff. Let’s talk about the proactive things you CAN do while you’re staying home. So, pour yourself a glass of wine and get ready to take some notes.

 

• Relax

We know that’s easier said than done sometimes, but in this instance, it’s even more important. If you’re used to being out and about, feeling stuck at home can be a big change. So try to develop a practice that helps you unwind. That might be meditating, watching a funny movie, or being productive by working at home. You could also use ANY of the items in this list to help you relax.

 

• Develop a Routine

We’re creatures of habit, and if your routine is suddenly all out of whack it can set off some major mental health alarms. That’s why it’s important to develop a new home routine that will give you a sense of normalcy.

 

• Drink Plenty of Water

It may seem like people are ALWAYS telling you to drink more water, but in times of stress, it’s even more important. Plus, on the off chance you do become ill, being hydrated will make it easier for your body to recover.

• Eat Healthy Foods

It’s so tempting to sit on the couch and munch on junk food, but use this time to prepare healthy meals for you and your family. A healthy diet means something different to everyone, but basically just give your body the nutrition it needs to maintain physical and mental health.

…but also a treat every once in a while is good for mental health too 😉

 

• Maintain Good Hygiene

This one should be obvious by now, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to shower when they’re not running a million errands or going to the gym. For both your physical and mental health, cleanliness is important. So wash your hands often, don’t forget to shower, maybe do a self-care face mask, and did we mention that you should wash your hands? Yeah, definitely wash your hands.

 

• Exercise

Whether it’s yoga, a HIIT workout, or running around the house with your kids, it’s important to stay active. Your lymphatic system needs movement and activity to drain properly, and if you’re sitting on the couch all day your body won’t rid itself of toxins as efficiently. Plus, exercise is a great stress reliever!

Don’t have the equipment you’re used to at the gym? There are about a thousand different workout videos on YouTube! Even if your space is limited, find some way to get your sweat on!

• Socialize

Remember, we’re doing all of this to support the health of our friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers (who also have friends and family). So, it’s important to stay connected with people.

You may be asking how you’re supposed to socialize when you’re stuck at home?

We’re so glad you asked…

 

How to Socialize While Stuck at Home

This is where technology is your friend. Today there are SO many ways to stay connected without leaving your home, so if you’re fighting loneliness try some of these tips:

 

• Phone Calls and Texts

Most of us are already texting all the time anyway, so just keep it up! If you have an elderly family member who isn’t great with texting though, they would probably really appreciate a phone call.

 

• Video Chat 

If you really miss seeing the beautiful faces of your friends and family members, there are several different ways you can video chat with them. If you’re an iPhone user, Face Time is quick and seamless. Android user? Try Google Duo! If you don’t have any of that, you can use Skype or Video Calling with Facebook on a computer with a camera.

 

• Workout Together

This may sound silly at first, but it’s a great way to motivate each other while having fun and reducing stress. While working out, you and your friends can video chat with each other. Maybe take turns finding the strangest workout video for you to tackle, or even take up a workout challenge together. 

 

• Cook Together 

While you’re experimenting with food in the kitchen, hop on some form of video chat and cook together! You could even give each other cooking challenges and share the results via Snapchat.

 

• Post on Social Media

Whether you’re into Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, or even TikTok, post something. You may think you don’t have anything important to post, but when has that ever stopped anyone! Before you read this article you were probably mindlessly scrolling through the internet anyway.

So whether you’re posting about your home workout, your latest cooking experiment, the latest existential crisis you averted, or even just that you’re feeling anxious and miss your friends…everyone can pretty much relate to that right now. 

Don’t Forget to Share a Glass of Wine “Together”

We know there’s a lot of uncertainty going on right now. To our SECCO Wine Club members in Italy, you’re in our minds and our hearts every day. But we hope that everyone everywhere is opening their hearts and remembering that, no matter the distance, we’re all neighbors. We all have to help and protect each other.

Have a girls night and toast each other over Face Time, or Skype with the whole family to reconnect. Don’t forget to laugh, smile, and keep spreading love. That’s the whole point of being alive!

If you decide to stand with us in Social Solidarity, we ask you to join us on Instagram by toasting to your neighbors around the world. Raise a glass (of wine, juice, or even just water) and tag us in your toast so we can share it with the world. 

We love you. Stay Safe. Stay Healthy.

#socialsolidaritytoast

Cheers! Salute! Santé! Salud! Skål!