YouAlberta
During scary times I like to start by addressing fear. Fear that social distancing will lead us to lose the friends whose company made everything worth it. Fear that we'll lose the routine we've fought for to maintain our mental health. Fear that we might not get the hang of this online lecture thing, that we might not be able to get our grades up, that we don't own a personal computer. Fear that we won't get to take graduation pictures to add to our photo albums.
Fear is valid and it's okay to talk about it. In the words of a tweet that's been all over my Facebook feed since the spread of Covid-19 to Edmonton: "I imagine that all the closures and cancellations give people a sense of ominousness. But it's really an amazing act of solidarity." Community doesn't disappear despite isolation. We won't disappear. In the face of fear, we can pick up the phone and call our friends. We can take silly Snapchats, have virtual movie marathons, and talk about how we're feeling.
Here are 9 activities you can do virtually to stay connected to your friends while social distancing.
1. Movie marathons
I feel warm and fuzzy every time I remember how young Harry, Ron, and Hermione were in the first Harry Potter movie. Call your friend, click the "start" button at the same time, and stay on the line during the movie in case you need to commiserate over major plot points. (Bonus: Chrome has an extension called Netflix Party that allows you to simultaneously stream Netflix with friends. It has a chat window and synchronizes the whole group.) For the ultimate experience, schedule a day each week to watch the next disc or episode. The Harry Potter series has you covered for 8 movie sessions.
2. Multiplayer games
Online games can be as social or quiet as you want them to be. When I'm feeling down and not in the mood to talk, my boyfriend and I will load up a multiplayer game and keep each other company online. Lately we've been tackling Terraria, a game similar to Minecraft where you can build your own houses, mine the earth for treasure, and fight fantasy creatures. Click here for a database of free games you can play online with multiple friends at a time.
3. Cooking night
Harness your inner MasterChef and have a cook-off with your friends through Skype or another video-calling service. Decide on a recipe in advance, pour a glass of bubbly, turn on some music, then each cook the recipe in your own kitchen. You can share advice and see how the final products compare. For a shorter chat, try making cookies or your own easy pickled vegetables. Check out some of my easy 3-ingredient vegan recipes.
Borrowing my dad's apron to prove that I'm ready to cook.
4. Skype crafts
It's nice to have something to do with your hands when you're cooped up inside. Call up your friends through Skype or your favourite video-chatting service, and do some paint-by-numbers, origami, or adult colouring books together. If you're not artistically gifted, try having a virtual Bob Ross party. Bob Ross's hit TV series The Joy of Painting (which you can stream on YouTube) guides complete beginners through painting beautiful landscapes. Compare your final products and you might be surprised how well they turn out.
5. Ultimate study playlist
Now that you're studying from home, you finally have the time to compile your ultimate study playlist and the space to test it. Create a collaborative playlist on Spotify, where you and your friends can add your favourite study songs. If it's not a study day, you could even create your dream roadtrip playlist to use in the future.
The beginnings of my radical collaborative study playlist.
6. Book club
It's pretty hard to find the time to read for fun as a student. However, most of us gained some free time by cancelling the commute to campus. Setting aside half an hour to read before bed can help you unwind and escape reality. Start a book club with your besties and aim to finish at least one book by the end of the semester. The book can act as a conversation starter and you'll probably be begging your friends not to give you spoilers.
My bookshelf at home, including some bestsellers and classics (please pardon the sale sticker).
7. Outdoor photos
Even though school and other gatherings have been cancelled, you can still step out onto your balcony or take a walk around the block. If you're healthy and able to go outside, some exercise and sunlight can help lift your mood. You and your friends can exchange photos of birds, paw prints, and other cute happenings that you encounter in your neighbourhoods. It's good to take joy in the little things and remind each other that the world goes on.
A handmade birdfeeder I found on one of my walks.
8. Online quizzes
It's never too late to get to know each other even better. I have a secret love for BuzzFeed quizzes that I never grew out of. BuzzFeed has a quiz on everything from food to love and trivia. Check out this list of 17 Quizzes to Take if You're At Home and Bored Out of Your Mind and compare your results with your friends. If sleepover-style games are more your style, try playing a game of "truth or dare" or "would you rather" through a video call to get real-time footage of each other admitting crazy things.
Check out BuzzFeed's list of 17 Quizzes to Take if You're At Home and Bored Out of Your Mind.
9. Daily check-in
Build your friends into your new routine. Schedule a time each day when you will video call with your friends for 15 minutes, or even an hour, to hear about the successes and challenges of their day. A daily check-in is a great idea if you're concerned about your friends in these tough times. You can ask for updates on their physical and mental health and make sure everyone is getting up, getting dressed, and continuing their lives as best as they can.
I want to conclude by reminding you that it's okay to feel afraid or uncertain right now. However, it's important that you talk about it and stay connected with your friends, family, and support networks. I hope I've given you some fun and inspiring ideas of activities to do to stay connected with your friends during isolation. Let's stick together.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or a personal crisis, please know that there are people you can call for support and refer to the University of Alberta's list of support services and contacts.
Consult Alberta Health Services' latest updates for information on Covid-19 and what to do if you are exhibiting symptoms, and check uab.ca/covid19 regularly for updates.