I& #39;ve been thinking about how far away most of my friends always have been & how many years I spent in long-distance relationships to define some coping mechanisms I use(d) that may help others now.

A big one for me is just making my space as comforting and cozy as possible.

Display photos/drawings/mementos - physical objects you may have to remind you of connections with others. Look through old pictures for reminders of things you& #39;ve experienced & those who were with you. Hold things given to you by others & recall any story/event behind them.

Use the means of connection you still have. Video or phone call; watch movies simultaneously or play multiplayer games. Choose a podcast or book together & discuss each part once you& #39;ve both finished it. Send random photos. Write & mail actual letters to look forward to!

Some of these things you may already be doing, or you may want to add them to what you are doing since many of us are much more isolated now than usual. The biggest thing, honestly, is try to be there for each other in whatever ways you are still connecting. This is hard stuff.

I& #39;d love to hear any other ideas people have or actions folks are taking to self-soothe and combat isolation. Staying inside and apart is important now so we can be together again later, and making it easier on ourselves and each other in any way we can matters.