Staying social during social distancing: some things you can do from home

SALT LAKE CITY — It is important to stay social during social distancing. The spread of COVID-19 coronavirus has created homebodies in all of us; just because self-isolation is the new now, it doesn’t mean we have to ditch our social lives.

It’s true, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus, we must avoid being in close physical proximity to one another. But that creates a problem. Humans are social creatures. We have good news. Modern technology allows us to be with friends and family virtually instead of physically.

So if you are struggling with social distancing, below are some tips to help you thrive during this uncertain time.

Staying social during social distancing

Talk to one friend each day

Although texting may seem perfectly appropriate, try to make an effort to give your friend a call. Picking up the phone and reaching out to someone is one of the easiest and most effective ways to give you the boost you need.  Talking through your worries or your successes, will put your mind at ease and can help prevent you from turning to stress-related habits.

Send someone a handwritten letter

When was the last time you wrote someone a letter? Grab a card you have lying around and send a handwritten note to someone on your mind. Not only will it brighten their day, but it will likely spark a conversation after the fact.

Join an online fitness community

With gyms closed and many who are under a stay-at-home order, the number of steps we are taking each day is at risk. To keep health and fitness at the forefront, many local gyms and fitness studios are taking their workouts online. To maximize the communal feel, opt for a live-streamed workout rather than pre-recorded ones.

Have a family member read your child a bedtime story through Facetime

If your children are used to more social interaction with family members and friends, consider having another family member read them a bedtime story from afar. Facetime and modern technology alike allows us the emotional connection we need via technology instead of in person.

Movie night or TV Watch Party

Packing into a busy movie theatre or heading over to a friend’s house to watch the latest award winner isn’t possible for many people right now. But, that does not mean you have to miss out on the social comfort of a good old fashioned movie night.

Netflix Party lets family and friends watch a movie or show together online.  For this to work, every participant will need Chrome with Netflix Party installed. To keep things social and crank up the nostalgia factor, consider a movie or show that everyone knows and loves.

Grab the popcorn- you don’t have to binge alone. Sick of watching TV? Host a virtual book club instead.

Stream a class

For many of us, our daily routines have been disrupted by social distancing. Much of our daily socialization comes from not only chatting with our co-workers and spending time with family, but also heading to our daily class. Try attending one of your daily routines virtually.

If your studio isn’t hosting a virtual class, considering partnering with a buddy and committing to the same routine every day virtually.