How To Practice Social Distancing While Still Feeling Connected

Health experts agree that practicing social isolation has slowed the spread of Covid-19. Unfortunately, if you follow the CDC’s direction, it doesn’t take long before feelings of loneliness take over. Even though you’re keeping 6 feet apart from others, it doesn’t mean you need to forgo all human interaction, however. Let’s look at some ways that you can keep in touch with your friends and loved ones.

Take Advantage of Technology

Get creative with apps on your phone or tablet and organize a movie-streaming party with your friends. Set up a group chat to discuss and critique your selection. Schedule a designated time at specific intervals and take turns choosing the movie or TV series.
Plan a video chat with a friend, or organize a group of friends on Zoom.
Set up a virtual book club with friends.
Play online games, such as one of the series of Jackbox Party Packs. Friends can log in with a code using their phone, and then proceed to play against each other. There is a large variety to choose from, including word play, trivia and strategy games. Each game has a humorous vein, which adds to the fun, but some games may not be appropriate for youngsters.

Plan a Drive-by Kid’s Birthday Party

Kids still want to celebrate their birthday, even if they can’t have a group of friends over for cake and presents. Contact the parents of your child’s friends and set up a time for the kids to “visit”. Create colorful signs to post in the yard, and encourage each child to honk their car’s horn and wave as they drive by the house. Depending on how comfortable you feel about it, the children could drop off gifts and place them on the lawn. Once the kids return home, you can set up a video chat with the group to watch your child open the gifts.

Get Active

Social distancing can lead to a number of physical and mental health concerns, such as weight gain, high blood pressure and depression. Staying active is critical during this difficult time. Now that the weather has warmed up, it’s time to go outside and get some exercise and fresh air. Taking the dog for a walk or doing some yard work will do wonders for your psyche, and it will also get your blood pumping.