Interesting Ideas for Isolation
Social Distancing Suggestions to Fill Your Time
With Covid-19 recommendations encouraging people to avoid being in groups of more than 10 people, a lot of folks on my social media timeline are beginning to lose their minds with boredom. Told to work from home, their concerts canceled and conferences postponed, many people are trying to figure out what to do with all their isolation time. Mostly, people are looking at social media, which is making them more anxious and stressed. But what else is there to do?
Well, when in doubt, ask a socially anxious introvert! Here’s a few ideas that I’m doing from home, many of which involve socializing with others without being in the same room.
Play Some Games
- I love games like PUBG Mobile, which I can play while also chatting with friends about our days. My boyfriend and I often catch up in the evenings while playing this first person shooter, which isn’t the most calming thing for many but also blows off some steam.
- I’ve been watching a lot of Twitch livestreams and getting active in the comments. Chatting with other people who share my nerdy interests has taken the edge off.
- Roll20 can make it possible to do tabletop gaming online! Try out a new one shot, or join a longer campaign. Not just Dungeons and Dragons, either! Start a Masks or Monsterhearts campaign.
- There’s also a Cards Against Humanity clone you can play online, and I believe you can lock a room so it’s just people you know if you want.
Try A New Hobby
- Youtube has sooooo many tutorials online — pick up a new hobby or interest! I’ve been teaching myself how to knit and crochet by using Youtube videos. I’ve also learned how to fix my car, cook sous vide, and paint minis by following online videos.
- Learn a new language via DuoLingo or Rosetta Stone.
- Try out a food subscription box like HelloFresh, BlueApron or similar. I’ve been learning new techniques via HelloFresh and it’s kept me busy.
- Get into canning! So far I’ve made my own flavored simple syrups, pickles, jams, and salsas using recipes I’ve adapted from pinterest. This has the added benefit of filling your pantry up.
- There’s also a lot of free online classes to teach you career skills, and also just for fun to stimulate your brain.
Catch Up on Media
- There are so many great TV shows and movies out there, whatever your interest is. Netflix Watch Party, Hulu With Me, and others will allow you to sync video so you can watch something alongside your friends or family, often with a simple chat to help you socialize.
- Do a deep dive on Youtube with your friends using Plug.DJ! You get to take turns sharing Youtube videos, which is basically like most parties I go to anymore anyway, except this time it’s all online.
- Maybe do a documentary club! Watch the same documentary and then talk about it as a group using Zoom or Hangouts.
- You can also take things out from many libraries online using your library card! See what your library has on offer. This is also a great way to grab some free e-books.
Enjoy Some Art
- Many musicians are offering free online concerts, often putting out a tip jar since their gigs are getting canceled. Check some of them out and send them a tip in appreciation!
- There’s museums you can visit online. The Louvre, the Guggenheim, the British Museum, the Met… why not do a tour of them all? Have a bluetooth headset on and a friend on call so you can talk about the exhibits together.
- Learn to make your own art using online classes or tutorials. Or, play a game like Let’s Draw It and show off your skills that way!
I’ll add to this as I think of other things, but I hope this helps a little so you can stay social while also staying safe. ❤
