Let’s stop self-isolating when we no longer have to self-isolate

However, research shows us that only tapping into social networks when we feel we need a 'social hit', can be very problematic. American social neuroscientist John Cacioppo for example, has argued that much like hunger, feelings of loneliness signals a threat to our wellbeing, born out of an evolutionary need not to be excluded from our group or tribe.

Amidst the highly unusual social climate we find ourselves in at present, there exists the opportunity for many to reflect on their social behaviours and subsequently rethink their lives for the better.

Within this notion, along with the fact we have been starved of an array of normal social activities for the greater part of 2020 now, there are some enduring lessons from this period that if implemented throughout our society would allow for an improvement in our collective mental health.

The restrictions put in place as part of Covid-19 has forced us to remove from community life, and find other ways to connect.

As these restrictions are slowly peeled back, we have an opportunity to better use the immense freedoms we ordinarily have and take for granted, to better engage with the lives of our communities and our broader social networks more generally.

As the poet Alexander Pope wrote in An Essay on Man, 'True self-love and social love are the same', suggesting that serving society is another way to serve the individual.

By giving time to other people, our communities and those closest to us, we not only benefit them, but we benefit ourselves. Such a practice enables one to think beyond themselves, and in turn lighten whatever psychological burdens they may be carrying – even if just for a period of time.

If we as a society are going to move forward towards better mental health outcomes beyond the cessation of the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to find a way to re-connect with this ancient wisdom, by better engaging with our communities and the people around us.

As the cliché message posted on countless sporting locker rooms around the globe correctly states, we are indeed: 'stronger together'.