Here are 10 tip on how to meet at least some of your touch needs during shelter-in-place:

1. Try to establish interpersonal connections via video or the phone by making an effort to connect. While you won’t be touching physically, connecting on an interpersonal level will make it easier to get through touch-deprived times.
2. If you have a bathtub, consider taking regular bubble baths. Get a brush to scrub yourself down or a soft sponge. Self-touch is a great way to meet some of your needs.
3. In the same vein, give yourself a massage. Easy places for self-massages are your hands and feet, your head, and your neck and shoulder area. Applying body lotion all over your body is a type of self-massage and can also leave your skin feeling and smelling nice.
4. Join an online fitness or yoga class. Physical exercise brings you in touch with your body. In the case of yoga, twists massage your inner organs and “touch” your body multiple-layers-deep; call that “internal touch”.
5. Sing with others in a virtual choir. Singing together has been shown to decrease feelings of isolation and release hormones that increase overall well-being.
6. Join the Daybreaker Dance Party community that helps people start the day happier by releasing dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins by dancing with an online community.
7. You might have heard about people “acquiring COVID-19 skills”. If you have extra time, consider learning something new. For example, Harvard University offers many free courses. Or learn how to make yogurt, kombucha, cook et.
8. A pet is a great way to enjoy some physical contact, connect and nurture. If you aren’t ready to commit just yet but would like to try it out, join the many Americans who have taken to fostering pets during the COVID-19 crisis.
9. With or without a pet, going outside into nature can facilitate a more positive outlook on life. “Getting in touch with nature” is more than an expression. Consider hugging a tree or walk barefoot on the grass.
10. Consider getting a weighted blanket. These blankets are often used in therapy offices and can help reduce anxiety by providing a sense of safety and comfort through their weight. Similar effects can be achieved by cuddling a stuffed toy, blanked or wearing clothing that feels great to the touch.

While there is no replacement for actual human touch, the ten ideas listed above can hopefully make it a little easier to tolerate this period of self-isolation.