For the time being, it seems that social distancing is the best way to keep ourselves safe from COVID-19. That means many social gatherings have been canceled and many people are isolated on their own.

If you don’t make a plan to fill up your time, this could result in feelings of loneliness, so we’ve compiled a list of things you can do to stay connected with family, friends, and neighbors and feeling good during these uncertain times.

All you need for these suggestions is internet access and a working smart device (smart cell phone, computer, or tablet).

Explore the World

At first glance, this one seems impossible right now, but with internet access, you can explore the world virtually.

Do you have a library card? You can use it to borrow digital resources like e-books, audiobooks, movies, and more. Simply visit the website for your local library and discover everything they have to offer virtually during this time. Many libraries are offering even more now that everyone is stuck at home.

No library card? No problem. Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 free e-books without a library card.

Beyond the library, you can also discover interesting and educational podcasts, tv shows, and/or explore the vast possibilities on YouTube to watch documentaries and learn about culture, art, science, and more.

During this time, cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, and even zoos are adding online exhibits for you to enjoy. Head over to Google and search for virtual exhibits from your favorite museums and galleries around the world.

You may also want to see if there are any live-streamed concerts or festivals available that you would enjoy.

Video Streaming Providers:

Explore New Cuisine

Now is a great time to try out grocery and restaurant delivery services that you’ve been hesitant to try in the past. You can experiment with services like Seamless, which allow you to order food from a variety of restaurants online.

If you’d rather create some delicious dishes yourself, you could try using a service like InstaCart that will connect you with a personal shopper who will take a custom grocery list, pick it up, and deliver them to your door.

If you’d rather handle the shopping yourself, many grocery stores are now open only to senior citizens during certain hours each day. Call your local grocer to learn if they offer this option.

Restaurant Delivery & Takeout Services:

Focus On Health & Wellness

Just because we’re social distancing to protect ourselves and others from contracting a virus doesn’t mean our other health concerns need to be placed on hold.

Many doctor’s offices are offering telemedicine services to speak to you about any non-emergency concerns you might have during this time.

You should also take the opportunity to get outside and get some fresh air and light exercise, if possible. Just be sure to practice social distancing and wear a mask for extra precaution.

If you want to play it safe, there are many options for virtual light workouts online and even on YouTube. Now would be a great time to learn a new practice, such as yoga or meditation. You can do so in the privacy of your home to find out if you like it before signing up for public classes when they open back up.

Pharmacies Offering Prescription Delivery:

Spend Time Each Day With Family & Friends

Even though you can no longer meet with family and friends outside of your own home, you can use video calling options from your smart device(s) to get face-to-face time with the important people in your life.

It’s important to do this every day to avoid feeling lonely and isolated from the rest of the world. Use this time to get to know your loved ones better.

Here’s a list of games to play over video and/or phone call to keep things light and fun:

  • Never have I ever
  • Truth or Dare
  • Complete the Story
  • Read My Lips
  • Rock, Paper, Scissors
  • Charades
  • Riddles
  • Tic Tac Toe
  • Hangman

Or get creative and invent your own game!

This list should give you a great start to filling your days with meaningful activities while we all wait for the COVID-19 storm to pass

Remember, we’re all in this together and life will return to normal eventually. Until then, find something to do that brings you joy each day.