As we deal with the spread of COVID-19 and getting used to shelter-in-place directives across the world, we’re looking for ways to stay connected with other people while social distancing. With the reality of living through a pandemic setting in, a lot of us are tempering the flood of intimidating headlines and tragic information with quarantine entertainment in the form of Zoom parties, Netflix series, and mass gaming movements.
Although technology makes way for tons of options when it comes to staying connected during lockdown, it can be also be overwhelming for some of us who are now looking for excuses to not show up to a Zoom call with 30 participants. Houseparty too, was fun for a week – I don’t think I have enough things to talk about for hours every day, and can’t bring myself to decipher any more drawings that look like hieroglyphics. Similarly, Instagram was better when everyone was posting fun travel photos instead of the current stream of “challenges” flooding the platform, and I refuse to go down the road of Tiktok.
Though it is vital for us to stay connected with our loved ones, as social distancing can be lonely and isolating, we need to maintain a healthy balance when it comes to being social during quarantine. Staying connected is crucial for our mental health, but we need to find ways within our comfort zone to do so.
Here are some of the ways you can stay connected while isolating and physically distancing:
Dine together
If you are fortunate enough to be with your family during the lockdown, get together for one meal: breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and turn it into a family event. You can make it into an affair to look forward to by setting up the table, using nice dinnerware, or keep it simple and just show up. The point is that everyone gathers together for a meal they would already eat, and spend some time together.
If you are living away from loved ones, try the same tradition over Zoom. Everyone cooks the same meal so that you can feel that sense of dining together, and enjoys dinner over video chat together. You could talk about your day, mental health, something you are looking forward to, or something interesting that you read.
Host a virtual party
Social distancing does not mean that you have to give up on your social life. You can hang out with friends, drink or have a meal together, and even play games, albeit virtually. With the help of a few apps and some creativity, you can organize a girls/boys night or even date night if you suddenly find yourself in a “long-distance relationship.” Everyone can get the same food and drinks to make it seem like an actual party. You can watch the same movie or TV show online through Netflix Party, play games together, or just hang out and chill. If planning this with a large group seems overwhelming, reach out to 1 or 2 close friends and have an intimate hangout instead – just like you would otherwise!
Play some housie-eee!
Have a large friend/ family group? Why not get together at a predetermined time and compete with each other in a game of housie. One person can take the initiative to set up the rules, distribute the tickets, collect the buy-ins (if you want to play for money), and call the numbers. If somebody wins, they can send a picture of their ticket. You can change the rules according to your convenience. Maybe try playing other traditional games virtually as well?
Travel together… virtually
With the entire world facing the effects of the virus and curbed mobility, the only “travelling” we’re doing is online. You may have had to cancel a trip you were looking forward to, or missed your favorite band’s music concert – but you don’t have to miss out on these experiences altogether. A lot of organizations, museums, and other cultural sites now have virtual shows and city tours available. Many museums have displayed their artwork online, and artists across the world are hosting live sessions for fans to tune into. Make a list of things you would love to visit virtually, and do it with a friend for company – the shared experience will also give you something new to talk about!
Go back to (online) school
If you have some extra time on your hands, why not sign up for an online course? Choose something that you’d love to learn, and recruit a friend to sign up with you. That way you have can have virtual study-dates, make notes, and have a discussion buddy to help you ace the class!
Workout with a partner who motivates you
Whether you’re using this lockdown period to start working out more regularly, or continue with the progress you’ve made so far, the closure of gyms shouldn’t hamper your workouts. There’s a lot of free and paid workout content available online for you to get started with, so why not recruit a friend to workout with you? You can motivate each other and work on your fitness together when you have the opportunity!
Get a shout-out from your favorite celebrity
Looking to surprise loved ones with a star-studded pick me up, and make a charitable donation simultaneously? Users can purchase videos from celebrities and YouTube stars through the Cameo app. The cherry on top? The proceeds go to charities like Restaurant Worker’s Relief Fund and No Child Hungry to fight the effects of Covid-19. It’s a great way to surprise someone who has a birthday coming up, or just for fun to try with your friends and help support a good cause.
Take some time off
It is as essential to stay connected with yourself as with your loved ones. So while doing the above activities are fun, don’t forget to take some time out for yourself and do something you love. From meditation to drawing, painting, dancing, reading, or even organizing, you have a plethora of options. So take a few minutes or hours and enjoy your own company.
How are you staying connected while isolating?
