How to Stay Connected During COVID-19

By: Claire Wong ‘23

During this nationwide pandemic, we are encouraged to stay home and practice social distancing. It is something that is very isolating and separates us from the ones we love. Here are a few ways in how you can stay connected with your friends and loved ones during this time and continue growing in all relationships. 

1. Utilize the Internet

From online games to live-streamed concerts to watching Netflix together, there is an abundance of sites that allow you to connect with your loved ones online. Here is a list of some things to take advantage of:

• Real-Time TV: watch TV shows and movies simultaneously with friends for free on sites such as TogetherTube and Netflix Party!

• Live Stream Concerts: many artists are now live streaming their concerts for free to practice social distancing, YUNGBLUD streamed his on Monday but Google your favorite artists to see if they are live streaming soon!

• Live Stream Conferences/Events: Just like concerts, conferences are now live streaming their events rather than entirely canceling them, Girl Boss Rally is streaming their event for free. Google your interested events to check out what they are doing in the midst of this change.

• Take a Class: Many universities such as Harvard and Columbia are now offering free online courses on topics from Computer Science to Digital Photography. Google your interests or check out Free Code Camp article on free university classes. 

2. Be Innovative

Get innovative with simple communication platforms, such as FaceTime and texting, to create a more exciting engagement with others online. Here are some ideas on how to be with your loved ones via video and text chat:

• Cook with FaceTime: Cook and eat meals from the comfort of your own home over video chat

• Book Clubs: Now is the time to read that book you did not have time for. Pick a book to read with friends and arrange regular book club meetings over video chat and/or text 

• Backyard Picnics: Go outside into your backyard or porch or even driveway! Prepare a meal, set out a blanket, and eat together outside over video chat

• Game Pigeon: An app that features a collection of multiplayer games such as 8-ball, Crazy Eight, Poker, and Sea Battle via text messages

3. Be Intentional

Social distancing makes it difficult to stay connected in your friendships and relationships. Be intentional with your loved ones to demonstrate your care for them during this time of separation. Here are ways you can be intentional with your loved ones from far away:

• Check-in: Ask your loved ones how they are doing. Even if it is just a short, simple text, this demonstrates care by showing you are thinking of them during a time of social isolation. 

• Schedule Virtual Meetups: Set a date of the time and day you want to talk! Planning ahead shows you want to prioritize them and value time together — even if it is just talking online. 

• Be Vulnerable: Do not be overbearingly vulnerable, but when the opportunity arises do not be afraid to be open with your feelings. Also, be vulnerable in admitting you do not know all and asking for advice. This shows you trust them and their opinion. Vulnerability will bring you together to connect on a deeper level.

4. Self-Care

This is a period of lots of change and transition. It is important to connect with yourself and give yourself proper care and recognition. Here are some ideas of how to practice self-care during this period:

• Gratitude Journal: Write down three different things you are thankful for each day to help yourself remember the things you are grateful for during this stressful, unpredictable season. 

• Exercise: Continue to take care of your body and spend as little as 30 minutes a day getting your body moving. YouTube as many online classes that are offered for free such as Yoga with Adriene and HASfit. 

• Clean Your Desk: COVID-19 has you stuck inside and you will most likely be spending much of the day at your desk. Clutter has been found to increase stress and lessen productivity. Start the season fresh with a clean desk and environment. 

Check out Jordan Bucknor’s article on even more things to do during this time

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