As we walk past people in streets or parks we’re keeping our distance – which on the one hand is making us feel safer, but on the other distances us emotionally. Whilst there is a science to masks reducing the spread of COVID, there’s also a science to humans sharing smiles. How do we blend the two?

Sharing a smile bridges connection. It sends a signal of warmth and reassurance – something we’re craving at present.

Catapulted into temporary hibernation it’s easy to slip into despair. Quality time has become quantitative as the 9-5 working day is on hiatus; handbags are in repose and the schoolyard is our own backyard, if we are so lucky. Even if easing of restrictions is on the horizon there’s still a long way to go before normalcy returns. For many this is a really stressful, anxiety inducing time. There are however proven ways to overcome and survive times like this. This is resilience. But let’s not just try to survive. We can use time – currently our greatest resource – to thrive, to come out of this challenging time stronger, having grown.

Love in the time of Coronavirus – by Ros Ben-Moshe

The smoke from Australia’s devastating bushfires has barely dissipated and we’re in the midst of a public health emergency. Much discussion has been directed towards the economic and public health response to the coronavirus, from banning public gatherings to economic stimulus packages, yet what of our collective soul? Not only may the value of the ASX and tourist numbers plunge, but so too our community cohesion and wellbeing. While blame, fear and anxiety flourishes plunging the world in despair, and the race for a vaccine ensues, what of another antidote: love, compassion and kindness? Developing these resources is critical to bolstering our immunity to stress.