Now that the pandemic’s isolation period has passed, I’m really enjoying getting out and about and finding ways to spend time with my loved ones. Being physically distant doesn’t have to mean being socially distant. You can be social while physically distant. And honestly, seeing and enjoying people while staying safe has been so good for my head and heart.
When you’re keeping a physical distance, spending time together doesn’t look quite like it used to, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! I’ve found some great ways to get quality time with my family and friends while staying safe. I hope these ideas inspire you to get out and enjoy the people in your life… apart, but together!
Video Chatting
There are a lot of benefits to video chatting! It’s a great time saver, since you’re not traveling to and from meetings. And it’s a money saver, since you’re not spending money on gas or lunch at a restaurant. Who doesn’t love that?? Plus, there’s the interaction! When you’re video chatting, you can be face-to-face with someone and see their body language. You can absorb some of the vibes they put out, and get a much more genuine sense of what’s going on with them. It’s so much better than just hearing them on the phone, or talking over email and text.
There are lots of video call options out there, but Zoom is what I use. It’s a great way to interact with people from all facets of your life – the people you love and care about, your business partners, whoever! You can be social while physically distant with all the people in your life.
My daughter lives in a different state, and yes, we text and talk on the phone all the time. She’s the best! But my favorite thing to do with her is talk on Zoom, because I can see her! It’s not the same as in-person, but it’s a great feeling to see her and her significant other, know they’re doing well, and see my grand-fur-babies, too!
I also had the BEST time with my book club on Facebook Messenger Group Chat! We had so much fun changing the filters and other settings in our conversations. Yes, that means we didn’t even talk about the book as much as we probably should of. But, hey, it happens! I took a bunch of screenshots, and they’re going to make for some amazing memories someday.
There are a lot of video call apps out there, so here’s my advice… find what works best for you and use it. No excuses! Because whatever app you choose, having that face-to-face interaction is so important.
Eating Together but Apart
Going out to eat is another great way to socialize! Restaurants are opening up again. Even though I’m not going inside just yet, we can still sit outside where tables are socially distanced. We do what we can to make each other comfortable. Some of us wear masks, some of us don’t. We respect each other’s boundaries, and we don’t hug or shake hands. It’s nice to be around other people, and as humans, we need that social interaction! However we can get it.
If you want, you can do carry-out, too. Pick up your meal, go to a park, and share a meal – I love doing that! I’ll meet my son, daughter-in-law, and my grandson and eat at a picnic bench together. We’re outside, and we’re keeping our distance, but we enjoy each other’s company. We’re social while physically distant.
My friends and I love going to each other’s houses and bringing our own lunch or dinner, too. We’ll sit on lawn chairs outside and have a picnic together, but not touching. You can have a great time with it! When we bring stuff to share, we’ll toss it to each other across the six feet between us. Sometimes that works out, and sometimes not so well, and we have to clean up messes (ha!). It’s an awesome way to be together, and it’s been a great summer to be outside. Try it out!
Get Some Wind Therapy!
For those of us with motorcycles, going for rides is such a great release. Wind therapy is amazing! If you don’t have a bike and you’re thinking about getting one, now’s the time. It was on my bucket list of things I wanted to do before I turned 50, and I got my license a few years ago. I’m so thankful I did! If you have access to a motorcycle, hook up with some friends and go for a ride. It’s a great way to be out and about, check out the countryside, and spend time with people. Pure freedom!
Remember Your Loved Ones in Isolation
Sometimes we forget about the people in our lives who aren’t able to do the things we can. We all have older family members or loved ones who still have to isolate because of underlying health issues or concerns. Don’t forget about them! Maybe they can’t get on Zoom with you, but even a phone call will make them so happy! Some nursing homes or communities allow you to visit, as long as you’re wearing a mask and you spend time outside. Many will let you chat through a window, too. Let’s try to remember those people and be compassionate toward them and what they’re going through.
Sending Good Thoughts
I love talking with my friends and family who live far away, but I also like sending cards. It’s honestly something I haven’t done a lot lately, so I really need to start! I have family members and good friends I haven’t seen this year, and I’m going to send them cards to let them know I’m thinking about them. Who doesn’t like getting stuff in the mail, right?? Send them one of my inspirational notecards or a nice letter – it will surprise them and definitely make their day!
Now that I’ve given you some great ideas for being social while physically distant, I hope you’ll try something new! Let me know how it goes, and tell me if there’s anything else you’re doing to stay connected! I’d love to hear about any creative and fun ideas you have, and share them with my social media followers. Let’s inspire people to find new ways to spend time together!
We’re all going to get through this. Even if we can’t physically be together, we can still be social!