10 Ways to Stay Socially Connected During Social Distancing
Post author: Krystal Galvan, MA
“Social distancing” is the term for deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness (John Hopkins Medicine, 2020). Creating social distancing from other people lessens your chances of catching or spreading COVID-19. Examples of social distancing that allow you to avoid crowded spaces are: working from home, closing schools, and staying at least 6 feet apart when you absolutely must be in public (like getting groceries or medication).
Social distancing may lead to loneliness but it can also allow the opportunity to connect with friends and family utilizing creative methods (i.e. skype, facetime, and phone calls). It will also allow you the opportunity to reconnect with people you live with.
The silver lining to COVID-19? We’ve all been given the opportunity to slow down and reconnect with one another.
The following are 10 ways to stay socially connected during social distancing:
1. Call your Grandmother
Call your grandmother, your childhood friend, or that former coworker that you haven’t talked to since they took a new job. Think of those who you love, but don’t get the chance to speak to that often due to your usually busy schedule. FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom are great options for videochatting.
2. Virtual Happy Hour:
Luckily, in 2020 we have access to many methods of video communication, such as FaceTime or Zoom. Setting up a conference call with a small group of friends and having a virtual happy hour is a great way to stay connected while socially distancing.
3. Virtual Workout “Class”
Ask your usual Crossfit buddy if they’d want to pick a workout together and then do it from home. Knowing someone else is enduring the same workout you are at the same time can help replace the sense of camaraderie you feel during your workout class.
4. Virtual Dinner Date or Cooking Class
Use videochatting to show your friend how to cook your favorite recipe (or have them show you theirs!). Nearly every culture on Earth views eating together as a way of bonding. Use this as an opportunity to share about your day and check-in with one another.
5. Do a Good Deed
If you are able to do so, purchase groceries for an elderly or immune-compromised neighbor and leave it on their door step. The NextDoor App is a great way for finding others in your area who may be needing a little extra help. Can’t leave your own house? Now’s the time to go through your closet and fill a bag of clothes that you can donate as soon as social distancing is over. Coming together will allow those most vulnerable in the community to feel support.
6. Games
Connecting through video games is another way to socialize during social distancing. Playing video games through a live stream, chatting with friends through a headset, or challenging one another to a game of “Words with Friends” is a great way to interact during this time.
7. Virtual Watch Party
We live in LA, so I’m sure many of your conversations already start with, “Have you seen the new show ______?” Use your abundance of free time to choose a show to binge with a friend. Start a season of a new show with a friend and watch it together from beginning to end, discussing your reactions with each other after each episode.
8. Virtual Book Club
Same thing as #7 but with books. The LA library has tons of free e-books you can borrow.
9. Paint with a Friend
Remember how relaxing it was to watch Bob Ross on PBS as a child? Pick an episode with a friend and follow-along. Schedule a videocall when you’re done to show each other the results. This is the time to let go of any perfectionistic tendencies and get creative! At the very least, you and your friend can have a laugh about what you each produce.
10. Finally, Above All Else, Be Kind!
We’re all in this together and we must remember that we’re all feeling stressed, uncertain, and maybe a little lonely. Practicing kindness and empathy for those around you will have huge benefits for your own mental health.