Connecting During the Pandemic

After over a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings of stress and isolation continue to build as we head into another phase of restrictions. Especially as students, it is easy to feel the days beginning to blur into one another as we spend our days behind a screen. As stress begins to build, normal stress-relieving activities like going out to dinner or seeing friends are inaccessible and unsafe. I know personally how hard it can be to find the motivation to put yourself out there and connect with others in a time like this, and it tends to require that we push ourselves out of our comfort zone to do so.

Finding a way to connect with one another, and the community, is critical to mental health, and as the world has shifted, the way we connect must as well. Luckily, many new and existing platforms are providing services that make this difficult task much easier, and can help us come together while we can’t in person. This being said, remember to keep yourself a priority, and if trying these out is too much right now, that’s okay too.

1. Online game platforms

Online game nights are a great way to connect with a friend or two, or even a small group, and there are so many easy-to-use resources available online. There are plenty of online group games that can easily be played while calling one another, like Skribbl - an online drawing game, Spyfall - a mystery game, and Uno - a classic card game. If you are looking to spend some time one-on-one, this escape room by Enchambered is a fun two-person game where you can work together with a friend and try to escape. Playing these games is a fun way to unwind and catch up with friends while getting to bring out your competitive side!

2. Exercising Online

Although gyms might be closed for the time being, many resources are available to keep active! I find taking a walk outside and calling friends or family is a great way to encourage myself to get outside, exercise a bit, and get to connect with someone. If you are unable to get outside, or are looking for something more intense, there are plenty of free videos on YouTube with experts leading workouts for all skill levels. My personal favourites that I’ve tried are MadFit, Sydney Cummings, and for something a bit more chill, Yoga with Adriene. These videos simulate a real workout class, and it feels as if you are actually working out with the person leading it. You could add some more fun by screen sharing some of these videos with a friend over zoom!

3. Learning a New Skill

With a little extra time on your hands, picking up a new hobby can be a great way to try something new with a friend or connect with a new community. I’ve recently learnt how to embroider through YouTube videos and various blog posts, which has allowed me to learn a new skill and create cool gifts to give my friends! There are so many free resources available online for pretty much anything out there, like Duolingo to learn a new language, blogs to learn how to bake, and YouTube videos for pretty much anything crafty (like this beginners knitting video). There are so many supportive communities on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, where you can connect with other beginners and gain a new hobby along the way!

4. Movie or Book Club

If you are a reader or movie-watcher who is looking to connect, there are lots of communities online that are active and happy for new people to join. With the winter semester over, you might start a book club with your friends and meet virtually to discuss, or join one with an online community like on Goodreads. If you are more into movies, try streaming movies or TV shows with friends on Teleparty and discuss your thoughts in the chat. There are also online movie clubs to meet new people such as these listed here. These can be a fun way to connect with new people and check out a new community!

These are a couple of ideas that you might like to try to get connected, but there are truly an endless number of online resources available to put yourself out there! Hopefully you can give some a try to help destress during these times, and remember to be kind to yourself and proud of the efforts you have made to get this far!

by Sinead George '23 (Blog Subcommittee Member)