How to Socialize for Social Distancing: Here Are 7 Ideas

Social distancing is still critical, even though people are getting lonely at home. Here are seven suggestions for how to socialize online and have lots of fun.
Across the world, there have been over 10,000,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 498,693 deaths related to the virus.  Sadly, the United States has more confirmed cases than any other country in the world, and the number continues to rise. If you haven't taken the pandemic seriously yet, there's no better time to start than now.  One of the main CDC guidelines to prevent the virus is to avoid close contact with others through social distancing.  Keep reading to discover how to socialize while social distancing.  1. Set up a Zoom Chat Schedule During the pandemic, Zoom has grown to over 300 million daily meeting participants, which is up from a mere 10 million back in December.   People across the world have taken advantage of this online video conferencing app to stay in touch. While many workplaces use the app to help employees work from home, it's also a great socializing tool for friends and families.  The key is to set up a zoom chat schedule. Invite a bunch of people to join daily or weekly at a certain time. Then, plan out interesting parties like happy hours, fashion shows, or even a dance party.  Try to use most of this time to concentrate on things besides the virus. Have fun with your loved ones and laugh a little.  2. Play Online Video Games Video games are a great way to leave the outside world and enter a virtual world. But during this hard time, try playing a multi-player game so that you can interact with others while escaping reality.  If you're a serious game, you probably have a good group on gaming friends and multiplayer options. Minecraft, Fortnite, GTA, and Rocket League are all popular options.  If you've never gamed before, there's never been a better time to start. Pick up a casual phone game like Words With Friends or Butter Royale. If you do have a gaming system, Animal Crossing, Overcooked, or Super Mario Maker are fun options.  3. Host a Watch Party  Many people have also used the pandemic to binge-watch their favorite shows and movies. But by hosting a watch party, you won't have to enjoy the entertainment by yourself.  What is a watch party? A watch party is when at least two people are watching the same video, movie, or show at the exact same time. While watching the show, you're also video chatting or leaving comments about your opinions. Facebook watch party, Netflix Party, and Scener are all good options to consider for your next watch part.  4. Start a New Activity Together Are video games not your style? That's okay — quarantine is the perfect time to find a new activity to share with your friends.  This activity doesn't have to be something virtual. You and your friends can enjoy a hobby solo and then find time to talk about it and compare your experiences later. You just need something to take your mind off of the complicated world events.  Here are a few great ideas:

• Get in shape while virtual workout classes
• Start a book club with friends
• Get crafty with embroidery or old Pinterest projects
• See who can keep their garden alive 
• Bake a new treat and video chat while comparing recipes

5. Take Board Game Night Virtual If you and friends used to have board game nights before quarantine, this habit doesn't need to stop. There are plenty of socializing games online. While you may not be able to play your favorite options, you might discover a new favorite game in the process.  Here are a few websites that allow you to play virtual board or card games:

• Tabletopia
• Tabletop Simulator
• Mattle
• Days of Wonder
• Board Game Arena
• PlayingCards

Enjoy the convenience of online video games. There's no need to shuffle cards, set up complicated boards, or try to keep track of who's turn it is.  6. Go Old School With Letters and Phone Calls If you want to be more social, consider taking it old school. Instead of Facetiming your friends or texting your parents, try writing them a letter.  Everyone loves receiving something in the main that isn't a bill or junk mail. Start a letter chain with your loved ones. The great part about this is that you can look back on these letters in a few years to remember these crazy times.  Even a good old-fashioned phone call is a great option. When was the last time you spent hours talking on the phone? Even though you may not have much to talk about these days, it's nice to pass the time with someone.  7. Meet Outside for a Walk Studies show that it is unlikely to contract coronavirus if you are social distancing outside. When you are inside, ventilation systems circulate any virus droplets throughout the air. But, when you are outside, the droplets become exposed to wind, sunlight, heat, and humidity — all of which affect the virus' transmissibility. Getting outside in the fresh air while socializing can improve your mental health.  People socializing outside should still wear masks or maintain a distance of 6-feet apart. But, this doesn't stop you fro going on a walk, bike ride, or exercising with someone while outside. You could even have an in-person chat with your best friend while standing on opposite sidewalks!  Knowing How to Socialize Safety Keeps You Healthy Now that you know how to socialize while social distancing, staying isolated will get a little easier. While no one likes being apart from their friends and family, it's a small price to pay for your health.   Now that you know how to improve your social health during the pandemic, it's time to concentrate on other areas of wellbeing. Head to the Mental Health section of this site for more great advice. 
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