How to stay social during a pandemic

The coronavirus came and the world halted! We know how hard this isolation period has been for everyone and how regular activities suddenly became unattainable. But a question I’m dying to ask is; did you make life stop for you because of a pandemic and being indoors? I hope not!

Admittedly, the new realities haven’t been easy on a lot of us, which is why it is important to unplug from all the chaos. It is important to engage in rejuvenating activities that relieve stress, to stay in a healthy mental space, while connecting with loved ones at all times. If you’re struggling with ways to maintain this balance, take a look at a few suggestions on how to stay social during this period.

Tips on how to socially engage despite Covid-19:

1. Digi-communication: maintaining social distance shouldn’t equate to distancing yourself from friends and family. Thanks to technology, you can always connect to family anytime and anywhere in the world. There are a plethora of apps such as Skype, Zoom, Whatsapp video calls, etc to help you with this.
2. Online game nights/house parties: get in on the fun with online parties and game nights, which can be planned with friends and loved ones. Surely you have heard of the popular house party app which gained tremendous popularity during the beginning phase of the lockdown measures around the world? Even better is what is popularly referred to as “Zoom parties” you can either choose to engage in attending one or planning one as either way, you’re guaranteed to have a lot of fun.
3. E-dates: are you worried that your love life may be going downhill with this persistent pandemic? Well, have you tried e-dates? surely the thought of dressing up super-cute, getting the table set and your date being across the city but still right in front of your screen should be exciting. Yes, it may seem strange and different, but you never know till you try. Give it a shot!.
4. Online courses: now more than ever is the perfect time to take that online course you’ve been postponing. Top schools like Harvard and MIT have made most of their courses available online to be taken from anywhere around the world
5. Take a walk: so we know maintaining social distance at all times is a must, but a little walk around your house or the neighbourhood occasionally is good for you too. So step outside, get some fresh air and sun in your face, greet one or two neighbours, but always make sure to mask up and distance from people as you do so.

Humans are social beings and would always crave human connection, 2020 presented itself with an unplanned, persistent pandemic, yes, but there are two kinds of people in this world; those that let life happen to them, and those that let life happen for them. So which would you rather be?