The light went out, the Internet disappeared – a familiar situation? Don’t panic! Lack of access to electricity does not mean that you are doomed to silence and loneliness. On the contrary, it is a great chance to break away from the virtual world and really get closer to loved ones.
In today’s world, we are used to instant communication through smartphones, computers and other electronic devices. It has become common for us to share thoughts and emotions in messengers, post photos on social networks, and search for entertainment and information on the Internet. But what to do when all this becomes unavailable?
The answer is simple: to look for new, creative ways of communication. And believe me, there are many of them!
We will tell you the story of a brother and sister – Liza and Maksym from the Kherson region, who show how you can keep in touch without using electronic means.
Maxim lives with his family in the Kherson region, not far from the front line. When the power outages lasted for several days, it was a period during which his family became closer than ever. Maksym says: “These evenings became so cozy and helped us get closer to our family even more. We learned a lot about each other, for which there was not enough time on ordinary days. My sister and I learned more about our parents’ childhood, got to know our relatives, it was a period that we will definitely not forget, because it changed us and our relationships.”
Lisa also found positive moments in the period of blackouts. She noted the importance of spending time with family. The girl remembers, together with her parents and brother, they cooked food, played games and spent time in the fresh air. Especially everyone liked to play “Monopoly”, which helped to distract from external circumstances. “On weekends, we buy ice cream and just talk about life, plans, ideas, try to direct our thoughts in a positive direction. Very often, we go to the park with my mother, where I like to feed pigeons, because I feel that I am making the world a better place,” says Lisa.
The lack of electricity forced Maxim and Lisa to look for alternative ways to spend time together. They practiced English, experimented with food and played sports. Lisa emphasizes: “I feel more emotionally close when I communicate without the use of electronic means, because this way I can better understand people’s emotions.”
To keep in touch with friends at a distance, when there is light, they make the most of this time. They play games, watch movies or just talk about the main thing. But due to the blackout, the closeness between friends decreases due to the lack of constant contact, so Maxim and Lisa began to send gifts to their friends. Lisa says there’s even a new tradition of signing cards and, if there’s light, opening presents together via video link. According to the girl, such moments add uniqueness to communication.
Psychologist Alina Malysheva explains: “Turning off the lights is not only an everyday inconvenience, but also a serious challenge for people’s mental health. In blackout conditions, people may feel anxiety, fear, loneliness, and confusion. This can lead to depression, apathy and other psychological problems. However, it is also an opportunity to rethink our relationships and find new ways of communicating. Communication without gadgets helps to understand each other more deeply, develops skills of empathy and emotional intelligence. It is important to find joint activities that will be interesting for all family members and create traditions that unite.” In order to maintain mental health in such conditions, the psychologist emphasizes, it is necessary to find alternative ways of communication and self-expression. Here are recommendations from a specialist:
Use the time without light for live communication with loved ones. Play board games, read books, discuss interesting topics.
Be creative. Draw, write poems, sing songs. This will help you distract yourself from negative thoughts and reveal your potential.
Keep a diary. This will help you sort out your thoughts and feelings.
Spend time in nature. Walking in the fresh air, communicating with nature is a great way to relieve stress and improve well-being.
Follow the daily routine. Thanks to this, you will be able to maintain a sense of control over your life.
Despite all the difficulties, power outages can be an opportunity to strengthen relationships and rethink values. The absence of gadgets opens the door to sincere, emotional communication, which helps us feel real closeness with our relatives. Use this time to create new traditions, develop mutual understanding and support each other. Remember that the best moments of life happen in the circle of loved ones, and true intimacy does not require electricity.
Elizaveta Semenyuk
