May 7, 2020

Tips for Staying Connected While Social Distancing from Home

A few weeks ago, the terms “social distancing” and “flattening the curve” meant nothing to most, and now we can’t seem to escape those two little phrases little words.

Social distancing and sheltering in place are meant to keep us safe so they are for good reason, but it’s understandable if you’re going a little stir-crazy.

So, if you’re missing your friends and family and in need of some connection, we’ve rounded up some ideas that can make your days in quarantine feel a bit less lonely.

Be neighborly.

Bond with your neighbors by bringing dinner to your porch, deck, driveway, or any other safe distance location. Eat while giving a wave or saying hello.

Most of our neighborhoods look like virtual ghost towns; it can be comforting to know we are all here and in this together, even if it’s just a friendly gesture from a distance.

Volunteer, from afar.

If you’re looking for ways to give back while getting involved with others, initiate some online challenges with your online community. Identify those in need, and start a movement, raise some money, or drive traffic to a Facebook page to thank first responders and healthcare professionals. Organize an online mask-making party or something creative to support one of the many local small businesses.

Small things like this make the best of a difficult situation and help reduce feelings of isolation.

Create an online book club.

How many times have you considered joining a book club and then decided you were too tired to get ready or even leave the house? Use this time to your advantage and create an online book club from the comfort of your home.

Utilize a platform like Zoom, Google Hangout, or Skype to arrange the meeting. Make it a different theme every week to keep things fun and fresh. Do a pajama night, your favorite sports team, or formal wear. This is a great way to keep your mind sharp and focus on something other than the virus.

Netflix and chill, virtually, of course. 

You might not be able to settle in on a couch next to your best friend and binge Downton Abby, but you both can cozy up on your own sofas and still watch together.

Now’s a great time to binge that TV show recommendation you’ve meant to check out forever, watch some guilty pleasure movies, or stream a documentary and open your mind to a whole new world. After all, you have the time! You can Netflix and chill with your friends or family in the following ways:

Check out some fun movie ideas here!

Attend virtual workouts.

Stay connected with your friends and exercise buddies online. Set up virtual workouts using Facetime or Zoom. Create a group on social media and set weekly challenges and report your results to each other. Follow a shared workout plan and hold each other accountable via email or google docs.

Not only are you connecting with friends, but you’re burning some energy and working off those quarantine snack calories!

Host a game night. 

By now, you’ve caught up on your chores, organized all your closets, and binged plenty of TV, and you are sick of the same old thing.

If you’re feeling stagnant, try enlisting your friends and family for a virtual game night. Check out these ideas from Martha Stewart.

Get creative.

Now is an excellent time to get crafty- literally! Many local art businesses are offering online arts and crafts. Or you can research virtual classes, or organize your own class with these fun projects.

Experiment with something new. 

Quarantine is a perfect occasion to try something new. Research how to accomplish something you have always wanted to try, or even something you have never thought of before.

As you start working on your new project, reach out to some expert friends and family who can offer help or search for supportive groups online. Don’t be afraid to use this time to get creative because we’re all experimenting, as we try to find ways to continue learning and stay connected with others.

Now that you have some ideas – go forth and socialize (form a distance of course), but also consider using your newfound time at home to give yourself some peace. Take this time to enjoy the things you typically can’t fit into your day. Hunker down and do something cool with your brain, like a science project, a new recipe, or crack open that book you’ve been meaning to read.

As arthritis sufferers, our bodies and minds often need time to recuperate as we try to keep up with everyday life. So, use this time to restore your health and find a place of enjoyment in those solitary activities.

Have you found other ways to stay social during this time of isolation? Leave a comment on our Facebook and share some ideas! And if you’re still looking for something to do while staying socially distant, check out our blog with lots of information and tips!