Surviving the Pandemic: Social Life

Today is my first post in a new series, all about the struggles we’re facing during the pandemic.

I want to discuss issues such as social life, online learning and health anxiety – and I also want to offer a few tips to stay positive and look out for ourselves during this tough time.

I understand that everyone is experiencing a myriad of issues in lockdown – and every person will have a different experience of what this pandemic means for them.

However, I hope this blog post series can offer a few ways to stay positive for the future, looking ahead to a time when restrictions are lifted and we can return to normal.

This won’t be our lives forever – and I hope this series shows you that whatever you’re feeling or experiencing at the moment, someone else is too!

In this first blog post, I want to discuss social life – or during the pandemic, what social life?!

I don’t think many of us have much of a social life at the moment – and that’s okay. We’re doing our bit until cases start to go down and we can safely mix with others.

But I think it’s important to acknowledge the impact this lack of socialisation can have on us all, with many people experiencing loneliness and a loss of hope during these troubling times.

If you’re an extrovert and love going out, this is a hard time – and I really miss going on a night out or even just popping to the pub for a few drinks.

At the moment it may seem like we’ll never be able to enjoy carefree parties or nights out again – but we will get there one day.

In the meantime, we need to make the most of what we do have!

Most of us have phones and access to the internet, and we are lucky to have excellent ways to stay in touch with our friends and family while things get back to normal.

In this blog post, I’ve put together 5 ways you can stay social – even during the pandemic!

Go For a Walk with Someone

I think we’re all a bit fed up with going for what feels like our millionth walk – but while it’s one of the only things we can do at the moment, it’s a great idea to make the most of time outside.

When the weather isn’t too bad, meet up with a friend for a nice walk.

Spring is on its way, and hopefully, we’ll be able to make the most of the nice weather as we did in the Summer months.

Walking while sharing company with someone is bound to perk you up, and even just seeing someone else’s face after spending hours alone in your house is a great way to combat loneliness.

Take Part in an Activity

Just because you and your friends are separated right now doesn’t mean you can’t still have some fun!

At the start of the first lockdown, I watched a few films with my friends, and it’s lovely to watch something at the same time as someone else.

It makes you feel like you’re kind of spending time together, even while you’re apart.

You could also play video games together if that’s something you enjoy – and there are plenty of apps that allow you to play games, take part in quizzes or do a virtual activity with others from afar.

Video-call Someone

At the start of lockdown, I read that when we video call someone, our brain has the same emotional reaction as when we see someone in person.

Afterwards, we feel as though we spent time with that person – even though it was just on camera.

It’s always a good idea to video call your friends every once in a while to catch up and feel a little more social during these difficult times.

It can be more draining and it’s definitely not the same – but catching up with someone you love even from a distance is brilliant for your mental health.

Get Some Exercise

At the moment, we’re only allowed to meet outside if we’re exercising – so make the most of that!

If you’re into fitness, you could meet up with a friend for a run, for example, or even an outdoor workout if it’s safe to do so.

Exercise is a great way to release endorphins, and it can be great for your mental and physical health.

Make sure to involve your friend next time you want to exercise, and you’ll hopefully feel a bit more “normal”.

Host a Zoom Party

I think we’ve all had enough of Zoom parties and quizzes, but they can genuinely be a great way to connect with others.

I think one of the things I miss most about meeting friends is the atmosphere – it’s about the ritual of getting ready and going to a pub or bar.

So try and recreate that online!

Take some time getting ready for any “parties” and invite quite a few people along for a few drinks over Zoom, or even a pub-quiz style night that hopefully makes you feel more normal.

It’s not the same, but it’s a great way to stay connected and distract yourself from the current situation.

Stay tuned for the second post in this series! I’ll be talking about online learning – who’s affected, how does it work, and how can you make it a bit easier?

Is your social life surviving the pandemic? Do you have any creative ideas for spending time with others at a distance? What was your favourite thing to do with friends before the pandemic?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x