Across the country, people are being encouraged to self isolate themselves to prevent the spread of COVID-19, or the novel Coronavirus. As more and more states implement stay-at-home orders, we are witnessing the positive effects that social distancing can have. That being said, social distancing can be a little isolating and monotonous, so here are some ideas to help you stay busy.
What is social distancing?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), social distancing, also referred to as “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. The recommendation is to follow these guidelines:
- Stay at least 6 feet or 2 meters apart from other people
- Do not gather in groups
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
How To Stay Busy While Social Distancing
Stay Connected
Just because you can’t be physically close to other people doesn’t mean you have to socially isolate yourself. Catch up with friends and family on the phone. Or use technology like FaceTime, Zoom, Facebook and other social media tools to stay connected to loved ones.
Stay Active
Keeping active is good for both your body and your mind. Find ways to stay active during social distancing. Go for a walk. Do some yoga or light stretching indoors. Even putting on some music and dancing for a bit can be a great way to raise your heartrate.
Stimulate Your Brain
Finding ways to keep your brain active is particularly important during times like this. It’s easy to get sucked into the 24-hour news cycle which can be both monotonous and anxiety provoking.
Find other ways to occupy your time. Read a book. Do a crossword puzzle or Sudoku. Start coloring daily–it’s been proven to be as beneficial for your mind as meditation.