Social distancing and #StayAway are the watchwords in times of coronavirus. In other words: Keep at least 1-2 meters away from other people [1] and minimize social contact. Here, we'll show you how to stay close to friends and family despite the physical distance and what opportunities these times offer for community.
Table of contents
First of all, why keep your distance?
The current goal is to keep the number of coronavirus infections as low as possible, following the motto #flattenthecurve . By actively keeping our distance from others, we avoid becoming carriers of the virus ourselves and thus infecting others [2]. However, socializing less is a major challenge for many – because human closeness is a basic need for us and therefore naturally important [3]. With our tips, we want to show you how you can still stay close to your loved ones – and perhaps even see the current situation as an opportunity to try new things and become more united .
Idea 1: Plan video dinner dates
Sure, you can just talk to friends and family on the phone or via WhatsApp. But a video immediately brings you closer together. Plan a dinner together, make yourself comfortable, and arrange to meet via Google Hangouts, Skype, Zoom, or similar services. It'll be a new experience you'll surely still be talking about in a few years. By the way: The same applies to exercising together , having breakfast, or enjoying a glass of wine . #ToughTimesToughMeasures
Idea 2: Become a quarantine hero
Are there people in your neighborhood who have to quarantine? Time to support them! Put up a poster in your house or register with the new " Quarantine Heroes " platform and do things like shopping for those affected. They can easily transfer the money to you or use PayPal. You can then simply leave the groceries on their doorstep without contact . Easy, right?
Idea 3: Join a live workout
Along with other freelancers and facilities , personal trainers and gyms are also suffering financially from the pandemic. Many of them are therefore offering paid or even free live streams of yoga or fitness classes that you can easily join from your living room. Of course, you can also simply follow a YouTube video , but a live call immediately creates a greater sense of connection, and at the same time, you're supporting someone who may need it. Such opportunities are available, for example, at:
Yoga classes at Yoga at Lobe Block (as drop-in or with Urban Sports Club)
Various live fitness courses via My Clubs (free)
Live yoga and cardio classes with @emireerose (free)
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Personal training (yoga, fitness) via the “ Feel the Kaha ” app (approx. €30–€65 per hour, depending on the trainer; inquire in advance about the possibility of online training or join a group and split the costs)
By the way: We at BRAINEFFECT are also planning home workouts and are also collecting other creative ideas for spending time at home and a successful day in the home office. Sign up for our newsletter now or follow us on Instagram so you don’t miss any tips.
Idea 4: #SupportLocalBusinesses
Small restaurants and shops, in particular, have had to limit their opening hours due to the coronavirus or close completely out of a sense of responsibility . Support them by ordering their products online whenever possible, having their food delivered contactless, or buying vouchers for future gifts. While you may not have any digital social contact, you'll still be doing something good.
So you see, the coronavirus crisis also offers opportunities for greater solidarity and emotional closeness at a distance. So: don't let it get you down and make the most of it!
Sources
[1] Robert Koch Institute (2020) Novel Coronavirus: Hygiene Measures for Non-Medical Emergency Services. [ https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Hygienemassnahmen_Einsatzkraefte.pdf?__blob=publicationFile ], accessed on March 12, 2020.
[2] RKI (2020): COVID-19: Act now, plan ahead. https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/EpidBull/Archiv/2020/Ausgaben/12_20.pdf?__blob=publicationFile (accessed March 16, 2020).
[3] Uvnäs Moberg, K. (2016): Oxytocin, the hormone of closeness: Health – Well-being – Relationships. pp. 1-5
