Pizzini’s tips for social distancing

by Mari Pizzini– Covid-19, or the coronavirus as it’s informally known, has become a household name across the globe. With its origins tracing from Wuhan, China, the virus has proven to be deadly, scary, and culturally jarring. To help combate the spread of Covid-19, social distancing has become the norm. Bars, restaurants, churches, and most public places have been shut down for the foreseeable future.

 Despite all that, this is a time where we have seen people come together (as best they can) from far apart. I’m here to give you my eleven best ideas on how to cope with social distancing:

1. Read a book. This is the time to check out books you wouldn’t often choose. Everything from fiction, to sci-fi, to nonfiction could be in your hands in a heartbeat (man, isn’t Amazon great?). If you’re stuck on where to start, check out the New York Times Best Sellers list for some well-written inspiration.
2. Support your local businesses. Guess what…you don’t even have to leave your house! Posting a picture about them, ordering online, leaving a review, or donating money are all ways in which you can support those small business owners.
3. Knit a sweater. Or, in general, try out some new hobbies! I bet there are so many things you have always wanted to try, but never had the time. Now’s your chance! Maybe try out Origami, it’s pretty easy to do at home, and the history behind it is beautiful (I suggest reading up on everything you try. You might as well; you can’t go anywhere).
4. Call a friend you’ve been meaning to talk to. Though it may seem that your only option right now is to wallow in misery, it’s not. This is your time to check those pesky to-dos off your list! I’m sure your friend would love to hear from you, especially since they’re stuck social distancing, too.
5. Binge that show you’ve been putting off. Now’s the perfect time to just lounge around and not feel guilty about watching TV. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney +, and the hundreds of other streaming services are waiting for you!
6. Since most of us here reading The Collegian Reporter are students, I’ve gotta say it. Do your homework. It might seem like the world is ending, but that doesn’t mean your grades have to. Let’s show this virus what we’re made of, and finish this year in style.
7. Listen to a new podcast. If you’re like me, you didn’t really jump into the podcast scene until recently. If you’re not like me, you’re a seasoned veteran. No matter, there are still plenty of options for you to listen to (p.s. If you like Harry Potter, my current favorite is Potterless).
8. Try out some new recipes. If you were able to get to the store before the shelves went bare, now’s your time to become a world-renowned chef! Or at least a kitchen-renowned one. Just because we’re social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun. Pick up those spices and try something new!
9. Clean the house. As boring as it sounds, you’ll feel accomplished afterward. As my mother always says, a clean house leads to a clean mind. You’re also going to be living there for the foreseeable future; it might as well be somewhat clean while you’re stuck!
10. Download Tik Tok. This app is a time sucker. I promise, if you like short videos, humor, or just plain quality content, this is the app for you. Tik Tokers (as they’re officially known) range across all ages, and turn difficult situations like this one into content that is easy to laugh at. Or cry at. At the very least, they know exactly what it feels like (and making videos yourself could also be a creative outlet!).
11. If all else fails, take a nap. This is not a normal situation, and it can most definitely be tiring. I’ve taken my fair share of afternoon naps in the last few days. You just might feel a bit better when you wake up.

It’s important to remember that social distancing isn’t going to last forever. We will never be able to replace senior athletic seasons, proms, graduations, concerts, parades, and most other events, but what we can save is people. It’s time to stand together and protect each other. In the meantime, let’s show this virus who’s boss.