Social
distancing is still critical, even though people are getting lonely at home.
Here are seven suggestions for how to socialize online and have lots of fun.
Across the world, there have been
over 10,000,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 498,693 deaths
related to the virus.
Sadly, the United States has more
confirmed cases than any other country in the world, and the number continues
to rise. If you haven't taken the pandemic seriously yet, there's no better
time to start than now.
One of the main CDC guidelines to prevent the virus is to avoid close contact with others
through social distancing.
Keep reading to discover how to
socialize while social distancing.
1.
Set up a Zoom Chat Schedule
During the pandemic, Zoom has grown
to over 300 million daily meeting participants, which is up
from a mere 10 million back in December.
People across the world have taken
advantage of this online video conferencing app to stay in touch. While many
workplaces use the app to help employees work from home, it's also a great
socializing tool for friends and families.
The key is to set up a zoom chat
schedule. Invite a bunch of people to join daily or weekly at a certain time.
Then, plan out interesting parties like happy hours, fashion shows, or even a
dance party.
Try to use most of this time to
concentrate on things besides the virus. Have fun with your loved ones and
laugh a little.
2.
Play Online Video Games
Video games are a great way to leave
the outside world and enter a virtual world. But during this hard
time, try playing a multi-player game so that you can interact with others
while escaping reality.
If you're a serious game, you
probably have a good group on gaming friends and multiplayer options.
Minecraft, Fortnite, GTA, and Rocket League are all popular options.
If you've never gamed before,
there's never been a better time to start. Pick up a casual phone game like
Words With Friends or Butter Royale. If you do have a gaming system, Animal Crossing,
Overcooked, or Super Mario Maker are fun options.
3.
Host a Watch Party
Many people have also used the
pandemic to binge-watch their favorite shows and movies. But by hosting a watch
party, you won't have to enjoy the entertainment by yourself.
What is a watch party? A watch party
is when at least two people are watching the same video, movie, or show at the
exact same time. While watching the show, you're also video chatting
or leaving comments about your opinions.
Facebook watch party, Netflix Party,
and Scener are all good options to consider for your next watch
part.
4.
Start a New Activity Together
Are video games not your style?
That's okay — quarantine is the perfect time to find a new activity to
share with your friends.
This activity doesn't have to be
something virtual. You and your friends can enjoy a hobby solo and then find
time to talk about it and compare your experiences later. You just need
something to take your mind off of the complicated world events.
Here are a few great ideas:
- Get in shape while virtual
workout classes
- Start a book club with friends
- Get crafty with embroidery or
old Pinterest projects
- See who can keep their garden
alive
- Bake a new treat and video chat
while comparing recipes
5.
Take Board Game Night Virtual
If you and friends used to have
board game nights before quarantine, this habit doesn't need to stop. There are
plenty of socializing games online. While you may not be able to play your
favorite options, you might discover a new favorite game in the process.
Here are a few websites that allow
you to play virtual board or card games:
- Tabletopia
- Tabletop Simulator
- Mattle
- Days of Wonder
- Board Game Arena
- PlayingCards
Enjoy the convenience of online
video games. There's no need to shuffle cards, set up complicated boards, or
try to keep track of who's turn it is.
6.
Go Old School With Letters and Phone Calls
If you want to be more social,
consider taking it old school. Instead of Facetiming your friends or texting
your parents, try writing them a letter.
Everyone loves receiving something
in the main that isn't a bill or junk mail. Start a letter chain with your
loved ones. The great part about this is that you can look back on these
letters in a few years to remember these crazy times.
Even a good old-fashioned phone call
is a great option. When was the last time you spent hours talking on the phone?
Even though you may not have much to talk about these days, it's nice to pass the
time with someone.
7.
Meet Outside for a Walk
Studies show that it is unlikely to contract coronavirus if you are social distancing
outside. When you are inside, ventilation systems circulate any virus droplets
throughout the air.
But, when you are outside, the
droplets become exposed to wind, sunlight, heat, and humidity — all of which
affect the virus' transmissibility. Getting outside in the fresh air while
socializing can improve your mental health.
People socializing outside should
still wear masks or maintain a distance of 6-feet apart. But, this doesn't stop
you fro going on a walk, bike ride, or exercising with someone while outside.
You could even have an in-person chat with your best friend while standing on
opposite sidewalks!
Knowing
How to Socialize Safety Keeps You Healthy
Now that you know how to socialize
while social distancing, staying isolated will get a little easier. While no
one likes being apart from their friends and family, it's a small price to pay
for your health.
Now that you know how to improve
your social health during the pandemic, it's time to concentrate on other areas
of wellbeing. Head to the Mental Health section of this site for more great
advice.
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