Social distancing may seem impossible since we are social creatures. However, public health experts have recommended that social distancing is the best way to prevent a genuinely horrific coronavirus crisis. “Flatten the curve!”
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended against any gatherings of 50 or more people over the next eight weeks to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
According to CNN, the Coronavirus pandemic has now killed more than 6,500 people worldwide. Experts believe the virus originated from China’s wild animal trade—and the city of Wuhan in particular. Scientists believe that an infected person, animal, or group of animals first introduced the virus to the Huanana Seafood Wholesale Market.
For some, social distancing feels like a void to be physically apart from our favorite people, not being able to hang out in our favorite public places or have events canceled. Therefore, social distancing can affect stress and anxiety to many during this time.
Is there anything that can make social distancing more acceptable? We round up some things that may turn a negative into a positive experience.
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5 Ways Social Distancing Can Be Good For You
1. You have more time for yourself.
The Bad: Places on your bucket list that you wanted to visit are closed. You may also feel extremely bored.
The Good: This is an excellent opportunity to really look after our mental and physical health. Fresh air, nature, self-care, and exercise contributes a significant impact on the way we carry ourselves. Currently, the weather is starting to brighten up. Go outside by yourself to soak up some vitamin D every day if you can. However, stay physically away from people outside your family or roommates.
Practice self-care. Take the time to pamper yourself and declutter your life. Use this time to nurture your personal and professional growth.
Here’s a list of things to do in your spare time:
- find new hobbies or continue current ones
- learn new skills
- start the personal projects that have been piling up
- clean your room and living space
- organize your workspace
- pamper your skin
- complete those online courses or certifications
- catch up on shows and reading material
- try new recipes
- open your business to remote options
The Ugly: You may feel super isolated and lonely during those late nights. Especially when you’re single.
2. You help flatten the curve.
What is the curve? According to LiveScience, “the curve” is what researchers refer to the projected number of people who will decrease COVID-19 over some time. Overall, a flatter curve assumes the same amount of people getting infected, but over a more extended period. A slower infection rate means a less stressed health care system. The daily number of disease cases will be more manageable for medical providers.
The Bad: We are social creatures, and distance can cause stress and anxiety.
The Good: Besides helping slow the infection rate, you support the earth heal. Social Distancing has caused a few climate changes. According to EcoWatch, there have been massive reductions in transportation-related carbon emissions. Whenever we reduce driving, it creates a significant impact on our climate pollution.
Similarly, airplanes in the sky dramatically reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. With less pollution caused by people, sometimes when you step outside, you can see the stars from where you are.
The Ugly: You yearn for physical, social interaction. Some personal bonds may be lost. Also, you start to rely on social media as your life depends on it heavily.
3. More homemade foods.
Many countries have closed their restaurants and bars for the next few weeks. There is no specific guidance in the U.S. beyond the C.D.C.’s recommendation against the gatherings of more than 50 people.
And leave the medical masks and gloves for the medical professionals — we need them to care for those who are sick
The Bad: The shelves of grocery stores might be empty or have incredibly long lines.
The Good: Home cooked meals are healthier. This is a chance to try all those new recipes you have marked down on Pinterest.
The Ugly: You can’t cook.
4. Fitness motivation
The Bad: Gyms, yoga studios, and wellness centers are closed.
The Good: For now, walking, running, and biking outside, in uncrowded locations, seems like a healthy thing to do. I have seen people do cardio in an empty parking lot or their backyard. Furthermore, you can try doing exercises at home. You can find many at-home workout routines online. Also, yoga studios are offering virtual yoga classes.
The Ugly: Sometimes, you just get lazy and would rather watch Netflix because it’s right next to you.
5. Save Money from Social Distancing
The Bad: All gatherings involving 50 people or more be canceled for at least the next eight weeks. Say goodbye to those planned trips, concerts, parties, and expensive dining.
Therefore, it feels disappointing because some of us live for these experiences. It gives us something to look forward to. Our intern was waiting for a year to go to this one music festival. We can understand.
The Good: You can save a lot of money when you are forced to find more budget-friendly ways to hang out with your favorite people. Now is the time for virtual hangouts. Furthermore, activities such as; watching movies together, coffee hangouts, or work sessions can still are be done virtually.
The Ugly: You realize that maybe money does bring happiness, even if it is just temporary.
