It can be hard to maintain a healthy social life, especially nowadays. We’re to make sure you can keep your peers happy while keeping you safe.
While most of us were initially concerned about the economic impact of the current pandemic, we quickly learned that the effects were much farther reaching. It wasn’t long until social distancing protocols started to affect our social life just as much as our professional life.
In the beginning, most businesses where people congregate were shut down – everything from bars to churches. Even as businesses begin to open back up, there are still mandates that require six-foot spaces, face masks, and more. To add to all of this, we must always second-guess coming into close contact with people, even friends, and family members.
The problem is, people can be carrying COVID-19 for days without even knowing it, during which time transmission is probable. The question, then, is how to maintain your social life while staying safe.
Keep reading for our top tips.
Maintain Your Personal Health Boundaries
First and foremost you must respect your own boundaries. For example, if you or someone you live with are more vulnerable to the virus, you can’t afford to take any unnecessary risks.
Data shows that people who are older, have cancer, suffer from COPD, or are obese are severely affected by COVID-19. Even if you’re healthy, however, the virus is difficult to endure.
Make sure your friends and family members know your stance on social distancing and physical contact.
Take Advantage of Technology
You may not be able to take part in your traditional recreational activities, but there’s no reason you can’t maintain your social life and stay in contact with all of your peers. Technology allows us to have video chats with multiple people at once. Though it’s not the same as going out with your friends, you can still talk to everyone at once and see their faces.
Avoid Picking Up Bad Habits
As we’ve all been shut inside and barred from certain aspects of our normal social life, it’s easier to become depressed. Unfortunately, some people deal with depression by turning to drugs, alcohol, and other bad habits.
The problem is, it doesn’t take much for an addiction to take hold and ruin your life. Avoid handling negative emotions with substances or other forms of escapism. This helpful post outlines some of the most addictive and dangerous drugs.
If you need help, reach out to people who care about you or seek professional counseling.
Respect Other People’s Health Concerns
Public health and safety require thinking about people other than yourself. For example, if you’re visiting a loved one and they’re worried about getting sick, keep your mask on if it makes them feel better. You may not have any reason to suspect you’re carrying the virus, but you need to respect their concerns.
Even if it means people you care about are turning down visitors, you need to accept their decision and not judge them for it. COVID-19 is far from fun, but we must all get through it together.
Looking for More Advice on Social Life?
We know how difficult these times are. But remember, everyone is experiencing the same thing. Hopefully, you are at least safe and financially secure.
As for your social life, do what you can to stay in touch with the important people in your life without pushing their boundaries. And if you want more advice, be sure to check out some of our other articles before you go!
