The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new phrases like social distancing to the general population and has also redefined both work and family life, creating a new normal.
This adjustment is not an easy one, keeping most people from daily interaction with family and friends. The good news is there are ways you can still spend time with those you care about, all while practicing the nuanced art of social distancing.
While traditional dining out is not currently possible, it’s the perfect time to start a new tradition around mealtime like cooking a meal together as a family and enjoying it.
While it may seem easy to connect with family and friends while at home, many have found it to be quite difficult.nstead of trying to find additional time in the day to connect with those you love, a great alternative is to leverage the existing time you once allocated to other activities before social distancing took effect. This time can then be spent with loved ones by enjoying activities via video chat.
For example, if you used to take lunchtime walks with coworkers you can now spend that time enjoying a virtual workout class together. If you used to attend happy hours or other group activities with friends or family, you can now take part in online games, courses or virtual book club meetings instead.
Commit with your friends and family to stick with your favorite activities and routine and you’ll be reunited together in person before you know it.
If you have little ones at home, they are likely missing the loved ones they are used to frequently seeing in person. One of the easiest ways to incorporate these people into your children’s lives in a meaningful way is to reinvent the story time portion of their bedtime routine. Instead of tackling the story yourself, have a loved one read to them instead via video conference. Whether you flip the pages for your guest reader or they read a book from home across the screen, it’s a simple activity that’s sure to bring everyone closer together.
Embrace traditional communication
In times like these, the communication you send with a personalized touch will resonate with loved ones the most. Writing a heartfelt email or sharing a voice message creates a one-of-a-kind nostalgic feeling the recipient is sure to appreciate. Plus, you don’t have to live entirely in the present. Using letters to plan for future events and vacations can be a great way to reduce stress during uncertain times and can be a promising light at the end of the tunnel.
Social distancing shouldn’t mean isolation. Just be proactive in your efforts to connect with loved ones to strengthen the relationships that matter most.