Ideas for Connecting and Keeping Busy During Coronavirus

At Texas Kidney Institute, we do our best to help you maintain the best possible physical health. But mental health is equally as important for your well-being. Under current coronavirus regulations, people in many locations across the country and world are required to stay inside to stop the spread and, especially for immunocompromised individuals, to protect themselves.

Unfortunately, this social distancing can easily lead to social isolation and poor mental health. We’ve compiled some suggestions that we hope can help your physical, mental, and social health as we weather through this pandemic, separated—but together.

Connect

One of the most important things you can do for your well-being is to stay connected. Luckily, technology today enables us to stay connected even while we’re far apart. Here are some ideas for ways to connect:

Video chat. Phone calls are great, but you can feel even more connected by talking face-to-face, even if it is through a screen. If you have Facebook, the Messenger app gives you an easy way to video chat and some filters to have fun with! Zoom and Google Hangouts are other easily accessible video chat platforms. And Marco Polo is an app that lets you send video messages back and forth in case you can’t connect at the same time.

Watch a movie together. Even when you’re in different locations, you can have the shared experience of watching a movie together when you use the Netflix Party app. You can watch a movie together with a group chat for discussions!

Play virtual games. The Houseparty app makes it easy to play games at a distance. Once you download the app, you can video chat with up to eight people and play games like Trivia and Quick Draw.

Learn a New Skill

Get Creative. What better time than now to start a new hobby? Skillshare offers thousands of free classes in photography, art, creative writing, music, and even business. And if you can’t find just the class you want, YouTube offers unlimited other options for free tutorials so you can learn a new skill.

Get moving. In some areas, you might be able to go on walks, hikes, or bike rides. But if you’re stuck inside, you can still get moving at home. YouTube has plenty of videos for beginner exercise routines in kickboxing, aerobics, and dance. Here’s a compilation of free online yoga classes for all ages and experience levels.

Test your brain. Keep your brain active with a puzzle like sudoku, a crossword puzzle, or a regular old-fashioned board puzzle.

Do Some Good

Say thank you. Thank your local doctors, delivery drivers, or other personnel who are helping during this crisis. You can express your gratitude by doing something as simple as writing a note, or something as creative as organizing a drive-by parade.

Sew masks. Many hospitals and medical offices are still in short supply of protective face masks. Try checking your local hospital’s website to see if they’re accepting handmade face masks. JoAnn’s is offering free mask supplies and sewing tutorials so you can sew masks at home and donate to hospitals in need.

Brighten a neighbor’s day. People are finding creative ways to connect with neighbors from a distance. One mom created a chalk hopscotch obstacle course for neighborhood kids to follow. Others have left colorful sidewalk drawings or window paintings for passers-by to admire, and  driveway concerts are an innovative way to share dance or musical talents with others. Even at a distance, you can have a positive influence on someone’s day!

Hopefully this list has inspired you to find ways to connect, learn, and serve during COVID-19 social distancing and quarantine measures. Stay safe and healthy while also trying out a new adventure at home!