People around the world are social distancing to “flatten the curve.” Health experts have said that it is the best way to slow the spreading of coronavirus. If you are not considered an “essential worker” and can stay home, it can be an effective way to prevent yourself and others from getting sick. Social distancing can be lonely and people are being creative about using technology to stay connected. (They definitely didn’t have that option during the flu in 1918!) Here are some of the things I’ve tried, or want to try, to cope with loneliness while social distancing.
Have a Netflix Party:
When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorite movies and this reminds me of the scene when they call each other and watch movies together from their own apartments. The Netflix Party Chrome extension syncs video playback and lets you group chat while watching.
Do an At-Home Workout:
FaceTime or Zoom while doing an at-home workout with friends. You could do an on-demand workout or a streaming one. Fitness instructors are hosting workout classes on Instagram Live or YouTube Live. Take their classes to support your favorite instructors and studios and feel connected with other people who are taking the class. (Sweats and the City has a daily schedule of live workout classes that are taking place.)
Have Virtual Get-Togethers:
You can’t go out to a restaurant with your friends and family right now, but you can still have virtual get-togethers. Make meals in your respective homes then video chat to keep each other company. I’ve had group dinners, happy hours, and birthday parties from home!
Take a Class:
Brit + Co has a wide variety of options from cake decorating and calligraphy to preparing for your job search and investing in the stock market. You could learn a language for free with Duolingo and take free college and university classes on Coursera.
Play Online Games:
I sometimes go to trivia nights at a restaurant with a group of friends. Now the organization is hosting trivia nights on Instagram Live and people enter their answers on Google Docs. It is a lot of fun! You could also host your own trivia night with friends or play online games together like Words With Friends, Monopoly, Cards Against Humanity, or other card games. Houseparty makes it easier to have virtual game nights.
Join Groups:
Join a virtual book club. Use Facebook Groups to meet like-minded people. See if the organizations you already belong to like running groups, alumni groups, community centers, and religious centers are hosting virtual events that you can join to stay connected. You’ll feel connected to the community and you might make new friends!
