Life has changed in the past week and in a pretty drastic way. More and more cities around the country and the globe are beginning to lockdown citizens, meaning that not only are we all having to adjust to the new phenomenon of “social distancing,” but we’re confined to our homes except for quick trips out to purchase necessities.
While some introverts claim that this lifestyle is a welcome treat, most people are finding that social distancing is leading to loneliness. Researchers and psychologists are noting that, aside from the medical and economic impact that coronavirus will have on the world, there’s going to be a greater need to address certain mental health concerns that follow.
But, social distancing doesn’t have to feel lonely. Think of it as physical distancing, not social distancing. You can, and should, still connect with friends and loved ones during this time. Here’s how to do just that.
1. Host Zoom Parties
Experts suggest that you should still reach out to friends and family, if not do so more now than you did before. Managing the stress of this situation is something that everybody is struggling with, and isolating yourself mentally and emotionally during physical self-isolation isn’t a good idea.
In fact, now that you’re unable to participate in traditional social activities such as going to the movies, going out to dinner or any sort of extracurricular activities at school, you might find that you have a lot more free time on your hands. Use that time to check in with friends you haven’t spoken to in a while. Start a game of Words with Friends with a stranger. Or, host a Zoom party.
Schools and workplaces have taken to using this online chat and video calling platform to facilitate efficient remote work and learning environments. But, it doesn’t have to be all about work and no play. Get all of your friends together once or twice a week and host a party. Ask people to decorate their backgrounds according to a certain theme or get everybody to listen to the same radio station and dance to the music together. You’re not in this alone, not even when you’re physically alone.
2. Watch Movies Together
No, we’re not talking about heading out to the cinema or even gathering at a friends house to watch a movie. Both of those are no-no’s during quarantine and even when practicing social distancing. But, lucky for you, there are other ways in which you can get a group of friends together to watch a movie or even binge the latest Netflix show.
Google Chrome has an extension you can download in your browser called Netflix Party. Have all of your friends or family members download the Chrome extension and then host a watch party wherever you are in the world. All you have to do is decide what you’re going to watch and then “create” the watch party.
Netflix notes that to do this you can click on the red "NP" icon located next to the address bar in your browser. Then click "Start Party" to get the party started, and share the party URL to invite friends. They’ll join one by one and you can all watch the show at the same time. There’s even a fun chat box where each member of the party can make comments about the show in real-time. It’s like they’re actually there but without all of the noise and chatter. So, it’s, dare we say, better?
3. Adopt Eldery Neighbors
By now we all know and understand the rules of social distancing. Working to flatten the curve is part of what we’re doing as a community to ensure that the at-risk and elderly are kept safe from the spread of the virus. And, while this is great, it means that elderly often feel scared to leave their homes for fear of contracting COVID-19.
Most supermarkets have taken to dedicating specific shopping hours to allow only the elderly to shop so they’re less exposed to germs and others who might potentially be carrying the virus. But, you’ll still find that it’s hard for a lot of this specific population to get around. So, do your part and ensure that self-isolation is so lonely by heading out and adopting an elderly neighbor. Talk to them through their screen door and offer to bring them groceries.
While it’s not recommended to leave your house for anything but work or to purchase essential items, heading over to check on your neighbor is permitted. Read to them from a safe distance and make sure they’re all stocked up on food and medicine. You’ll feel less lonely and so will they.
4. Social Distancing While Saving
We will say that there is one positive aspect of social distancing and it’s that you’re likely not spending money on things you don’t need. Aside from ordering food online and perhaps indulging in a little bit of online shopping, chances are that you’ve cut your unnecessary spending down by a lot.
That’s great! Now, how can you earn extra cash on those savings? By signing up for our Cheese debit card, you’re able to access and unlock savings in the form of cashback and savings bonus. We bet that extra cash will make you feel less lonely until things ease up a bit.
Ready to get started? Sign up today and begin getting more out of your social distancing savings.
