Physical Distancing Doesn’t Mean Being Socially Distant: 12 Ways to Socially Connect While Maintaining Healthy Distances

Human Connection

Physical distancing does not mean socially isolating yourself. As humans, we need interaction with other humans. We innately have a tribe-like mindset and it is vital for our mental and physical health to connect with other people. In this time of slower paced life and less distractions, it’s a great time to truly connect with friends and loved ones.

There are a few video platforms we recommend for web-based video communication: Zoom, FaceTime (Apple-based), Google Hangouts and Skype.

12 Ways to Connect

1. Virtual Trivia Night: There are platforms and free lists that support this.
2. Virtual Dinner Party: Cook something simple together and enjoy the conversation! If it’s your style, add an adult beverage.
3. Virtual Kiddo or Pet Playdate: Get an activity for both kiddos to play with, or have them share their favorite toys.For pets, bring treats to keep them engaged!
4. Virtual Movie Night: Rent the same movie on Amazon Prime, Netflix, or use your on-demand service. Open up Google Hangouts, Zoom, or Facetime and watch together!
5. Virtual Cocktail Party: Plan out the cocktail and look into local delivery or pickup options (many grocery stores over drive-up service or use a delivery service like Shipt or Instacart).
6. Virtual Clothing Swap: This can be for adults or kiddos. It’s a great way to repurpose clothes and there’s no need to shop!
7. Virtual Date Night: Order food to go or shop on Instacart and have food delivered to your significant other. Cook together and watch a movie together on a streaming platform, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime.
8. Virtual Karaoke or Dance Party: YouTube has tons of lyric songs for you to choose from. Spotify and Pandora have fun dance playlists.
9. Virtual Concert Night: Do you play an instrument? If not, do you have a friend or teammate who would enjoy playing a virtual concert? Consider playing it on Instagram live!
10. Virtual Baby Shower/Birthday Party/Anniversary Celebration/Wedding Shower: Bottom line — if you have an event coming up, transfer it onto a video-based platform! Many gift registries are online; ship the gifts directly to the recipient and celebrate via video!
11. Virtual Game Night: Try virtual games on platforms or apps, or consider a two-person game like Battleship.
12. Virtual Coffee Date: Get a hot cup of coffee and enjoy casual conversation! This is a great way together with your team (coworkers) or friends who are also working from home. Consider walking around the block (while remaining physically distant), or sitting outside for the call to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

This list is not sponsored. We’re sharing ideas from our team and various sources.

There is Help

Social distancing can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Practice self-care and remember to take care of your mental health. If you are feeling like you need help, there are a few resourced listed below.

• The Cleveland Clinic shares health-related ways to stay connected with loved ones.
• If you feel you need help, the contact for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800–273-TALK (8255).
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine can be reached at 800–950-NAMI (6264).
• To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) has a list of resources available on their website.

We are not mental health professionals, we are humans who care about the well-being of other humans. We are sharing this information in an informal manner.

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