Social Distancing without Isolation: Staying Friends in the End Times

Okay, I know the title is a bit over the top. We aren’t really in the end times, but things definitely feel a bit apocalyptic right now. Grocery stores have been ravaged, businesses are shutting down, and the world feels beyond hectic. One of the biggest things we can do to flatten the curve is social distancing. This can be difficult for a lot of us as socializing is a huge part of our lives (and frankly, our needs).

Luckily, we live in a digital age. The world may not want us to be physically in the same room, but we have a lot of options for “hanging out” while in separate rooms. Let’s talk about those!

Social Media is maybe not so bad.

I don’t know about you, but my social media feeds have been all over the place; there are some accounts just posting photos of empty grocery store shelves while others are just sharing things that make them happy. Join the second camp – post photos of your pets and encourage others to do the same. Remind people to wash their hands, but also retweet Julien Solomita fireman-carrying Bunny around their house (you’re welcome). You can use these avenues for socializing: what they were made for! There’s the #covideoparty on Twitter, where people around the globe watch a movie together & live-tweet. It’s a big conversation that almost anyone can join.

Online Gaming is good for your brain.

I am a very casual gamer, but when I like a game, I go hard for it. I’ve been a huge fan of Overwatch since it first came out, but I take long breaks from it. This past weekend I stayed in (for safety), but played Overwatch for hours. I don’t keep the chat on because I don’t want people to hear me yelling, but it’s nice to have a social opportunity. I’m not actually talking to people, but we’re working together on this game that I love, and that feels nice.

Use your phone.

As someone whose best friends are scattered across the country, I’m on my phone a lot. Do me a favor and text a couple of your friends right now. Most people feel really good about someone checking in on them; my grandmother messaged me a “wellness check” the other day. She asked if I had fever or cough and how I was doing mentally. You’re not alone in being stressed by all of this! If you’re up for it, use your phone to call or Facetime folks as well. It’s often nice to see a familiar face.

Discord isn’t just the state we’re in.

Discord is an app that I was introduced to a couple months ago. My friend in New York wanted to be able to hang out, watch YouTube, and play some games together, but he plays PC and I play console. He explained that Discord is a way to do just that: watch or play the same thing while talking via the internet. I love the lack of lag when laughing at Mythical Chef Josh together. It’s a great option for friend hangouts right now.

I’m out here, trying the best that I can right now. There are a lot of stressors in play, and we need to work together to combat that. I hope these help you out a bit, and if you’ve got some suggestions, drop them below!

How are you staying close while socially distant?