During the COVID-19 lockdown, it can be nerve-wracking to go outside and see others for fear of catching or spreading the disease, particularly if you or a family member are considered high risk. For months the government and the CDC have been advising physical distancing, but with many states beginning to open up, many are questioning what comes next.
Social distancing does not mean cutting of socialization. It means keeping a physical distance from others, at least 6 feet. It also means avoiding large groups or crowded spaces. If you are afraid of catching and/or spreading the disease, then here are some tips to make hanging out less worrisome:
be creative with ways to socialize, such as using online chats and games. Some highschool students have met up and parked their cars in a circle, each 6ft apart, to chat from a safe distance. Finding safe ways to see others in person can be important.
hang out outside! The outdoors are much safer against the virus than indoors because the larger air space dilutes the presence of the virus. Also, some reports suggest that UV radiation from the sun may deactivate the virus. Still, practice social distancing when outside.
Wear a face mask and bring hand sanitizer! Some reports suggest that face coverings can reduce the risk of spreading and catching COVID-19. Also, if you have some, hand sanitizer should be used often after being around others.
Don't carpool if you can! This is probably the only time I would advise against carpooling, but riding in such a small, enclosed space while talking or singing is a recipe for spreading the virus.
Limit the amount of you people you physically meet up with. If you only go to one person's house and you and that person's family are observing social distancing, then the risk of spreading disease is lower. However, if you meet up with many different people and your friends do too, the risk of spreading the disease increases exponentially. Therefore, it can be worthwhile to hang out with a lesser number of friends temporarily.
If your fear of catching COVID-19 is great enough that you are committed to observing physical distancing, then here are some activities you can take part in by yourself or with family. Remember that stimulating your brain is important, and you should take care of your mental health especially in the face of a public health crisis.
painting
yoga
learning an instrument
learning a language
swimming, if you have a pool or can do so while social distancing
video games
gardening
hanging with family
playing with pets
exercising outside!
learning a new skill or hobby
learning about something new
watching a good show or movie
reading a good book
taking a nice bath
playing a sport outside with family
making a bullet journal
whatever else you find fun!
Finally, after having been isolated for so long, some people may be experiencing social anxiety at the though of picking friendships back up and returning to normal. Try to remember that the chemistry you once had will still be there when you get back. Leaving quarantine can seem very daunting but try to see the many positives of rejoining your social network. Trust me when I say many other people feel the same as you.
NOTE: This article does not condone breaking social distancing. In a most optimal scenario, students would be completely social distancing. However, with rules loosening up and the weather becoming much warmer, it is inevitable that some kids will decide to break social distancing. Therefore, this article serves as a form of harm reduction. If you are going to break social distancing, PLEASE do it smartly and responsibly. Small changes can make a huge impact and it is worth it to be careful! :)
NOTE: I am not a mental health professional. The purpose of this blog is to educate and to synthesize and centralize credible mental health resources to make these more accessible for students, focusing on specific mental health issues related to the COVID-19. Please talk to a licensed professional about any symptoms, medications, treatments, or otherwise actions related to mental health.
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