How to Maintain a Social Life, Even in a Pandemic
We are a year into a global pandemic and it has shifted our lives in so many ways. It’s undeniable that our social lives have been impacted, leaving us to find new ways to stay connected. As humans, by nature, we are social beings. Here are a few ways we've tried to meet our social needs in a healthy way.
Stay Connected
Simply reaching out is a great place to start. I think we all know how real zoom fatigue can be, so I’ve changed things up when connecting with others. I make it a point to send letters and cards to friends and family close and far, even those that I haven’t talked to in a while. So far, they all have really enjoyed the surprise in the mail.
For my local friends I create a gift basket to drop off on their door step. I love hearing how much they love the unexpected surprise. When I want to get crafty with the gift basket, Pinterest has been my friend for inspiration.
Stay connected to your neighbors too. Dropping off dessert or dinner on their doorstep is a way to let them know you are thinking of them. Those who are connected to their neighbors have shown improvement in their mental health.
Get some fresh air
Going on a socially distanced walk is beneficial in so many ways. Get your dose of vitamin D which can reduce stress and fight off depression. Walking is known to boost your mood and energy so pair sunshine, walking, and hanging out with a friend and you have an amazing combo. I know that I always walk away feeling SO much better. If you want to take it a step further, have a socially distanced picnic afterwards.
Take advantage of technology
Grab some snacks and pick a movie to watch with your friends. One feature that I absolutely love is the “watch party” features on movie streaming platforms, where you can watch a movie “together” in your separate households. I make it extra special by preparing a snack board and getting the room just how I like it. It’s my favorite to share instant reactions with my friends while watching a movie.
To keep things exciting you can join a virtual cooking class, or learn something new, like how to make flower arrangements. Virtual yoga classes are an option too.
Make a plan
Be strategic and plan your social self-care. Use a planner or set reminders on your calendar to reach out and make plans so you can maintain your social well-being. Make a plan to rest, too. This can look different for extroverts and introverts. Check your batteries. How are you feeling? Do you need to take a break from social activities to recharge? Or do you need to schedule something?
Covid fatigue is real and it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves in every aspect. How are you taking care of yourself during this time? We'd love to hear and share new ideas.