Ain’t no party like a self-isolation party.
Introverts everywhere can celebrate the widespread movement of social distancing and social isolation in response to the global pandemic of COVID-19. With many countries already in legally-enforced lockdowns and Britain advising employees to work from home and avoid public spaces, the antisocial amongst us have cause to rejoice. However, staying stuck indoors for days on end is not everyone’s cup of tea and a life without social contact can be very lonely. Luckily, the tech world has seen a period of struggle as an opportunity and has a solution for your social needs.
Group FaceTime
You are going to have a lot of time on your hands so there is no longer a valid excuse to postpone those FaceTime catch up calls you swear you’ll get around to. However, why catch up with friends one by one, when you can catch up with a whole bunch simultaneously? FaceTime for iPad and iPhone offers a group setting meaning the entire gang can catch up together. Admittedly, with nobody leaving the house or doing anything the content may not be the most interesting, but at least you have the option.
Netflix Party
For those who want to have the feeling of being with their friends without the necessity of speaking, look no further. Netflix have designed a new Chrome extension called Netflix Party which allows you to stream a programme or film at the same time as your friends. You can start streaming alone and then with the new “NP” icon, you can share the URL and start streaming with your friends. If you are a purist who likes to watch films in silence, this may not be the option for you. However, if films are usually a social activity and a talking point, this luxury can be extended to your isolation period.
Virtual Group Exercise Classes
The gym has been flagged as a high risk area for the spread of Coronavirus. Though for some this is a great excuse to not exercise, others feel thwarted in their efforts for bikini season. Not to mention that regular exercise and activity is a wonderful way to not go completely stir-crazy. Whilst there are a world of fitness and health apps available, many social individuals find the prospect of exercising alone very daunting. If you find it difficult to self-motivate, there are a wealth of social exercise movements on the rise including live workouts from Instagram fitness bloggers and virtual classes.
Whether the social isolation is a halcyon escape from society or you are desperate for some social interaction, there are many things to get us through this time and come out of the isolation period happier and, most importantly, healthier.
