7 Tips for Staying Social during Social Isolation
When you find that phone conversations or video chat becomes tiresome or monotonous (because there’s not much to talk about that isn’t COVID-19), here are some tips for staying social during social isolation…with a little more fun and variety.
1
Games Night
There are many online platforms for games and trivia nights. The quiz and board game links below can help jump start your games night, but have a look around online yourself and you’ll find plenty more just like it to provide hours of entertainment value for all.
How to host a remote trivia night
Board Game Arena
Online games provide a fun way to connect with others
2
Movie or Series Night
Take turns in choosing a movie or series, pick a time, connect with each other online and you can watch TV together! Use Netflix Party if you like, but any online platform will do.
Have a chat about what you’ve watched or what you think might happen next. Pick movies from different genres or eras…make it interesting! Oh and of course, remind each other to bring the popcorn!
TIP: you might want to mute and un-mute yourselves in between chats to prevent interference.
3
Share Photos
Set up a group chat and share photos of your day, without writing big descriptions or comments.
Sharing photos helps on a number of levels:
We feel connected through sharing our experience
It encourages us to try different activities so we have something to share, and it gives others ideas of things to try
It helps us to pay attention to things in our environment and get out of our heads
It’s easy to feel you have nothing exciting to share when you’re stuck at home but they don’t have to be big things.
You can share photos of what you’re having for dinner, how your jigsaw puzzle is coming along, what you saw out on your walk, what you’re watching on TV, a drawing or painting, how you’ve rearranged your furniture etc.
TIP: Share everyday photos and agree to respond to each other just with emojis or a picture in return.
4
Dinner Dates
Again, this is via a screen but you can add some spice by trying out the same recipe, ordering the same take away, pairing your food with the same wine…and then sit down for dinner together and enjoy!
TIP: It’s not quite the same as being wined and dined, but you can get take away, set the ambiance and enjoy good conversation over dinner.
5
Pick a friend and set a challenge or work on a project together
ind a friend who is up for the challenge or wants to take on a new project with you. You both might decide to learn a language and work through the lesson plan or practice online together. Perhaps you could start baking and share tips and experiences or maybe start an exercise or self-care challenge…whatever takes your interest!
Challenges and projects can help motivate and inspire one another. We can help with self care challenges…stay tuned to our Facebook page!
TIP: You don’t have to be online together to work on a challenge, just keeping in touch about your progress builds connection and motivation
6
Virtual tours
Set up your screens and go on a virtual museum tour together, or visit Melbourne zoo online (all from your separate homes).
Have a google for other online tours and concerts…there are plenty! Here are a few extras for inspiration:
7
Community
Say hello or acknowledge people you see when you’re out for a walk. It sounds small, but it can help to feel connected to the broader community. After all, we are all in this together!
For other ideas, think about what it is you usually do with your friends and family and get creative…how can you do something similar, but at a distance?
If you’re wondering how to broach the idea with others, simply send them this link and ask them if there’s anything they think would be fun to try!
We are all trying to find ways to stay connected. Feel free to share your ideas below and let’s support each other through this! If you would prefer to remain anonymous, send us a private email and we will post your suggestions on our Facebook page. There are lots of resources out there, let’s share them around
Written by Dr Jennifer Menon, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Mind in Mind Psychology, Melbourne