By With a second lockdown now looking like a distinct possibility, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll cope. Among the biggest effects of the first lockdown was to cause a huge rise in social and mental health problems, including loneliness and anxiety. Obviously, this is felt especially by those living alone – but it’s also something that those trapped in a small space with relatives and friends will have to contend with.
Among the most effective antidotes to problems of this kind is regular contact with friends and loved ones. But how can we do this while keeping things fresh?
Send them gifts
A gift in the post, especially if it’s unexpected, is a cast-iron way to demonstrate that you care about a person and that you’re thinking about them. It doesn’t need to be a hugely expensive or elaborate present – but if you’re marking an occasion like Hallowe’en (or, dare we say it, Christmas), then a little extra effort for something themed might go a long way. You don’t need to keep it restricted to the gifts themselves, either: a few hand-crafted elements, and a carefully composed note, will provide that heart-warming extra dimension. Make sure that you choose a reputable courier, especially if you’re shipping internationally. You want to make sure your package arrives intact!
Regular Zoom calls
Over the first lockdown, the appeal of the Zoom call rapidly rose (and so did the company’s value). Not only did we use them for work-related meetings; we also used them to create impromptu celebrations and gatherings. If you want to host a quiz night at a regular time of the week, then Zoom is the perfect platform through which to do it.
Online games
While not all of us are seasoned online gamers, there are titles out there for just about everyone – and you might not need an expensive gaming setup to play them. Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout was the surprise hit of the summer, and Jackbox party packs are just as playable over a Zoom connection as they are when you’re all in the same room.
Social distanced meet ups
At the time of writing, we’re still able to go out into the real world and meet up with one another – provided that we stick to certain measures. For one thing, we’re not allowed to be hugging, hand-shaking, or singing in groups. And, there can’t be more than six of us in any given party. But if you adhere to all of those rules, then you’ll be able to socialise as much as you ever did. It’s worth making the most of this while you can, with the view that the situation may well change in the future.
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