There is nothing more natural, expected, and influential than human interaction in everyday living. However, when something like a global pandemic occurs, the notion of being social is put under a microscope. What happens when government and economic constraints threaten our natural need to be close with mandates for social distancing?

It doesn’t matter if you are a metropolitan socialite, or a “prepper” living on a ridge somewhere in the back forty. The freedom to interact with your fellow man is important to your sanity and wellness. Though nearly half of the world’s population is now “sheltering in place,” there is still no limit when it comes to inventiveness in societal interaction. The caveat is that slight adjustments must be made.

Here are a few ways to stay connected when the very word “social” is being discouraged. The trick is to be inventive as you continue to be cautious and respectful of everyone else.

Be Normal
For the past couple of decades, it’s been normal to have interaction via the web, streams, and online accounts. Stay social while you keep on top of your contacts.

Cross-Lawn Sun Worship
Now that spring has set in, don’t be afraid to commune with fellow hot weather enthusiasts at a distance. Take time to enjoy the 2020 sun across the widths of your yards. Flaunt, display, and BBQ, but let the street meet your neighborhood distancing requirements.

Talk About Specific Problems
As you navigate your new Zoom account, don’t limit yourself to ultra-popular groups. Start a community that is interested in specific topics like personal frustrations experienced while “hunkering down.”

Explore New Territory
Home is safe, and so is your ability to try new things. Use the time to join online groups that trip your OMG meter.

Tough Discussions
Now that you are confined, use this time to address things with your partner that would normally be easy to avoid under everyday circumstances. Who knows? The coronavirus pandemic could present the perfect opportunity for you and your partner to mastermind an ideal investment strategy for shared funds.

Love Your Pets
So far, there are few restrictions regarding caring for your furry friends. Taking the dog for a walk is a wonderful way to stay current on the state of your neighborhood. It’s also a great way to show your neighbors that you are doing fine. Pet timing cannot be disturbed by the troubles of humans dealing with a pandemic.

Become an Advocate
This is the time to share with others what you have noticed in your local area. Use the time indoors to post interesting observations regarding how your favorite local merchants are dealing with the shutdown.

Start a Coworker Enhancement Group
Many people at your place of work might need encouragement to enhance their job-related skills. Start an online group that is dedicated to helping coworkers boost their standings at the company. This might be an incredible surprise to your employer once business returns after the pandemic has passed.

Try a No-Tech Approach
Maybe it’s written in the stars. It could be a sign. This present situation gives a great deal of weight to the idea that taking a break from technology is a good thing. Use this time to explore the old school. What can you accomplish without the use of modern tech devices and conveniences?

Observe Holidays
The pandemic is likely going to last for months. Yay, this means observing holidays in traditional ways. Make the most out of upcoming holidays like Easter and Passover. Take note of new special days as well. Make video records of how you celebrated them, and share them with people on your network.

Go Wild
There are very few restrictions against enjoying nature in this pandemic. If you live near a wildlife preserve or a national park area, don’t pass this opportunity to explore. After all, you have an extended weekend.

Boost Your Support Groups
It’s hard to continue something like AA online with social distancing, but the group needs you! If you can, participate in support groups online. Your courage on the internet helps others in your group see the value in continuing their effort even during a worldwide pandemic.

Adapt Your Posts
If you are normally active with posting favorites, try adapting the angle of your posts. If you post about favorite movies, books, and events, see how you can make them relevant to the times. Are your posts evergreen?

Family, Family, Family
This pandemic is creating many opportunities for family members to stay social with each other. Use the time to catch up on issues, develop interests, and address looming problems that will ease once the shelter orders are lifted.

Create a Silly Group
You are using online video and messaging for everything else. Why not use it to go a little crazy? The pandemic is the perfect opportunity to create a group of your dreams. Dance, cook, fidget and break boards. This is your time to connect with others in exceptional ways.

Enhance Your Craft
Use this time to connect with people who might be offering the same thing online as yourself. This could mean making an international connection.

Do Some Digging
There is a good chance that someone you have always wanted to get in touch with is also sheltering. A quarantine might be the best time to reconnect online with estranged friends.

Kid Challenge
How much time do you normally dedicate to your children’s welfare? How much more time could you give? Quarantine is a great time to see how much more you could give to your children and their questions about current events.

Plan a Vacation
Once the restrictions are over, where will you go? What exotic places would you like to visit? Your online friends can help you find the best post-pandemic restaurants and hotels to visit.

Join Musical Zoom Rooms
This platform is helping artistic communities everywhere to continue their love for music. It’s also helping people who were afraid of trying out for a musical group connect with people who welcome them. Get singing online!

Volunteer Online
You love to give of yourself in normal situations, don’t stop when there is trouble. Search online for ways to help with groups like the Salvation Army, or organize times with your local food bank.

Share Your Skills
Thousands of online companies are searching for qualified people to teach skills to international students. Now that the pandemic has changed local schools, the need for online teachers is even greater. Use the time at home to see if you can teach online. This might also be a great way to earn some side cash.

Stay Fit
Chances are, in a pandemic, your local fitness enthusiasts will create ways to keep the classes going. Time at home might be the perfect way to increase your intensity. Explore online training!

Rest assured, the current international response to COVID-19 will only be temporary. Though you are forced to stay at home, you are not forced to cease being who you are. Fortunately, the internet provides many ways for everyone to stay connected. Take orders for social distancing seriously, but do not stop living.