Social Distancing 101: Tips To Becoming a Social Distancing Pro

To many, the quarantine is a warm welcome from the hustle and bustle of NYC. However, not everyone can say the same. Extroverts, workaholics, and people in toxic households* find their time outside to be crucial. However, with the “suggested self-quarantine” and the closure of just about everything in NYC, we’re forced to be confined to our homes with a bottle of wine in one hand and the remote in the next. Oh, just me? that’s awkward. While the quarantine memes have been circling the internet, everyone has been asking themselves the same question. ” How do I survive social distancing” Gen X totally has it down pack but if like me, you’re not an 80’s baby, I present to you my guide to surviving social distancing in the most crowded city in America.

• Create a Schedule: Of course, I know most people won’t do this, but for those who do it, this will be extremely effective. After being quarantined for about a week, I have discovered that if you don’t create a schedule, you won’t get much done. You’ll spend your whole day on your phone, on Netflix, in bed, and before you know it its 2 am, you’ve plugged in your phone 5 times but still haven’t showered yet. The first few days will feel like a pleasant break from work, then the laziness will start to kick in, and you’ll spend your days in bed surrounded by the snacks that were supposed to last the entire quarantine. Many outlets are advising us to stick to our daily routines, possibly so it will become easier to re-acclimate to life on the outside once we’re set free. I am not telling you to go stand in your shower for an hour and pretend it’s the 4 train to Manhattan, but try waking up and sleeping around the same time.

 

• Pick Up A Hobby: About 9 years ago, I fell in love with yoga. It was peaceful and beneficial for a high school cheerleader. When the real world hit, between classes, clubs, and jobs, I never found the time to keep up with it. Now that I have time, there is literally nothing stopping me from my daily sun salutations. Whether it be a hobby you’ve had for years or something you’ve always wanted to try, there is no time like the present. Learn a new language, how to cook, meditation, or whatever you’ve always wanted to do. Give journaling a try, who knows in 50 years or so, your journal could be worth millions.

• Start A Watch Party/Binge Your Favorite Shows: Netflix has been more than understanding through our times of need. They have found a way to help combat social distancing by creating Netflix Party. With a google chrome extension and a laptop, you’ll never have to forgo another movie night. This awesome tool lets you virtually watch shows with your friends anywhere, and there’s a chat room. If Netflix isn’t your thing, catch up on all of your favorite shows on all other streaming platforms. If you’re a Verizon customer, they’re still offering a free year of Disney+, and there’s no better time like a pandemic to reminisce on all of your favorite childhood movies. If you’re more of a solo binger, The New York Times has a list of things to binge while you stay at home (they update it daily).

• Tackle that To-Do List: Still planning on writing that award-winning novel? What about painting the kitchen green? Everyone has things they put on their list but never get around to. However, now that you have all the time in the world, what’s stopping you? Get the paint delivered to your door. Lock yourself in your room and start your YouTube channel. With no outside distractions, there is no time like the present to work on those home improvements hacks you saved on Pinterest.

• Have A (Virtual) Happy Hour: While all the bars and restaurants are closed, the liquor store isn’t. Take this time to work on your mixology skills and impress your friends with a fancy cocktail at the next Virtual Happy Hour. Looking for a new recipe? Check Out Instagram’s favorite bartender, Skyy John. Grab your closest friends and head onto FaceTime, Zoom, or even WhatsApp and enjoy your favorite drinks while keeping the safest possible distance. If you’re daring, go on Instagram live and make it a public happy hour, who knows, maybe we can start virtual clubbing.

• Check-in on friends: Social Distancing does not mean going radio silent. Just because you can’t see your friends doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take some time to check-in. All jokes aside, this pandemic has many people in a state of fear. Reach out to your friends and family because you never know who can be feeling the same way as you. Even if you think this is a “Boomer Virus” and think you’re immune (which you’re not), a FaceTime call does not hurt to do. Cabin fever is real, and iMessage games can only be so fun.

• Work Out: I know I needed to hear this, so I can only assume someone else does too. Put down your quarantine snacks and hit the mat! The same way we made no excuses for happy hours despite the bars being closed, the energy is the same for the gym. Yes, all gyms are closed until further notice, and yes, you may not have the necessary materials. Do not let that stop you. There are YouTube videos on home workouts, and many places are doing free online classes to keep you moving. Keep up your check-ins with friends and try out something new. Pilates and Yoga are great at-home workouts, and if you need your gym buddy with you, set up a call and work out together.

• Be Empathetic: I know you’re going stir-crazy, we all are, but you don’t know everyone’s circumstances. You never know what people go back to each time they go home: toxic parent, abusive partner*, a shelter. Be compassionate; if you are shopping and there is an older person consider giving them the last roll of toilet paper, you don’t need 25. Don’t gather in large groups and then go home to at-risk people. Think of the health-care workers who are being mandated right now because people refuse to listen. Take this time to be a human and treat everyone the way you would like to be treated.

I may not be an 80’s baby, and these were definitely not the things they did in their day. Regardless, I hope this post gives you guys some new ideas on how to stay sane throughout this. Practice a skill, work on your vision board, plan all your future brunches for after we’re safe. Keep moving and stay positive, quarantining does not have to mean turning into a couch potato and living in the same sweats for 2 weeks. Think of this time as an opportunity. It’s fine if you don’t spend this time writing the next bestseller, just remember that you are not alone. Also, please, for the love of God, do not hurt your siblings, everyone else is in the same boat as you, take time to be empathetic.

And That’s The Tea,

Bri.

 

 

 

 

*If you are living in a toxic household and are quarantined with an abuser, please reach out to the National Domestic Hotline for more information. You are not alone.