While social distancing is imperative to slow the spread of the coronavirus, it is also leading to social isolation. Staying at home every day can sever your relationships with other people, and this feeling of loneliness can make one feel anxious, stressed, and depressed. However, there are many things you can do to stay social during this pandemic! Read on to find out some new things for you to try!

Virtual Hangouts

While texting, phone calls, and video chats are essential ways to stay connected, they can get boring over time. Turn your video calls into virtual hangouts! Instead of sitting and talking, plan out fun activities and events. The possibilities are endless – you can have a weekly lunch date with your favorite family member, host study sessions with school buddies, exercise with your best friend, or celebrate special occasions like birthdays! Plan a self-care Sunday – put on a face mask and do your nails as you chat with a friend. 

Tip: Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside. Check out these awesome virtual tours of zoos, museums, and theme parks!

(Almost) In-Person Hangouts

Although we must stick with social distancing, there are ways to safely see your friends and family in person. One way to see your loved ones is by having a drive-in picnic! Have everyone bring their favorite food and park in an isolated area, like a parking lot or empty field. This will allow everyone to talk and eat food together, while enjoying each other’s company. Be sure to stay in your cars and stay 6 feet apart!

Game/Movie Night

Being stuck inside can still be a lot of fun! Put on your PJs, grab some snacks, and gather with your friends to play some games or watch a movie! Fortunately, there are many ways for you to virtually hang out with your friends.

Netflix Party lets you and your friends to stream and watch your favorite Netflix shows together. ShareTube is a site where you and your friends can watch YouTube videos together, while Airtime allows you to watch pretty much anything you want (movies, videos, shows, memes, and more).

For games, try House Party, Bunch, or Drawful!

Tip: Have a virtual nightclub or dance party by using Rave to stream music together in real time!

Family Time

Though you’re stuck in the house with them all day every day, it is still important to spend time with your family members. Many people get distracted by their phones and electronic devices, which can take away from the quality time you spend with your family. Try unplugging for the day and actually spend time with your family. If you have younger siblings, try playing games with them, making arts and crafts, and reading together. If you are living with older siblings or your parents, try cooking a meal together, playing board games, or watch a movie and discuss the ending together. Unplugging for the day will refresh your brain, but it will also help you enjoy these valuable moments with your loved ones.

Take a Walk

Exercising the body is important to stay healthy, and taking a breath of fresh air can do wonders when you’re stuck inside all day. If you wear your face mask, you can still go outside while staying safe. Bring your dog with you, or chat with neighbors (at a safe distance). This will help you stay active and social during the quarantine. If you see older folks who may have issues in getting out, try to see how they’re doing or if they need any assistance.

Old-Fashioned Letter Writing

There’s something words can’t explain with getting a handwritten letter from a friend. While letter writing may seem old-fashioned, it can be a great way to keep in touch with your friends and family. You can also make a new friend by finding a pen pal! Check out this list of great pen pal websites!

Rekindle Lost Connections

Life moves quickly, and many friends get left behind and put on the back burner. As everything slows down during the pandemic, you can take this time to reconnect with your long-lost friends, cousins, coworkers, and classmates. Now is the perfect time to get in touch and see how they’re doing. They will likely be excited to hear from you again! Seeking out companionship will also help you combat social isolation and reduce anxiety and loneliness. Sometimes, a simple “hello” from someone you care about can help you get through the tough times.

If you’re ever feeling alone and depressed, never be afraid to reach out! Chances are, your loved ones are feeling the same way you are, and would be overjoyed to hear from you. Dealing with this quarantine is difficult, but it is a lot easier when you have a solid support system to fall back on when things get rough. Good luck and stay safe and healthy!