As an extrovert, the idea of social distancing has personally summoned up some heebie-jeebies. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for curling up on the couch, watching my favorite Netflix show and cuddling with my dog, but I can only sustain that for so long before I need human interaction. As our nation works to prevent the spread of COVID-19,  I’ve found I need to change my perspective on how to connect without compromising the health of myself and those around me. While I can’t replace the exact interaction that comes from visiting my favorite local watering hole, I can explore new ways of connecting, like those listed below, to help combat both COVID-19 and those heebie-jeebies I get from a little too much me time. 

Take Advantage of Technology

Skype, Zoom, Facebook Messenger...even Snapchat has a video chat option! Rethink the way you communicate with your friends by hosting a watch party (check out the Top 10 Things to Binge YPK member Hailey put together); gather your fellow book lovers for a digital discussion of your latest read using your Knox County Library Card for online downloads of audio and e-books; or plan a group video chat on your favorite platform to compare social distancing snacks. 

Redefine Adventure 

As businesses and organizations adjust hours and public access, we're challenged with needing to find new ways to explore and interact. While you may not be able to jump on a plane and adventure to a new destination, Google provides digital travel to National Parks, popular museums around the world, and even Mars. A quick internet search of ‘online virtual tours’ brings up plenty of additional options to help you stamp that digital passport. You can also visit the social media accounts and websites of your favorite spots to see if they are offering any behind the scenes access in response to public health and safety measures. A personal favorite is the 'Bringing the Zoo to You' videos and info from Zoo Knoxville - check out the Great Apes and their recent St. Patrick's Day fun!

Switching It Up

While my first thoughts of social distancing included hunkering down on the couch, laptop in one hand, TV remote in the other, with empty coffee cups and chocolate wrappers surrounding me, I now think of a recent news story focused on neighbors in Italy making the best of their situation. They were seen playing music together from their porches, having conversations over fences, and even creating games that could be played at a distance. Switching up your social distancing strategy could include setting up lawn chairs in your front yard and hanging out with neighbors as they sit in their yard across the street. Maybe it’s video calling a family member or friend to have them teach you how to make a new recipe instead of just asking them to send the information via email. It might even be something as little as turning your text conversation into a video message for some face-to-face interaction.

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About the Author: 

Richelle Ballenger is a nonprofit marketing director by day and shameless dog mom by night. A proud graduate of the University of North Dakota, she has a Bachelor of Arts in communication, a Master of Public Administration, and is more than happy to discuss the use of correct color codes, current public policy initiatives, and how North Dakota is just a different kind of cold. A Minnesota native, she and her husband moved to Knoxville in 2017 and she joined the Young Professionals of Knoxville in the fall of 2019. When she’s not working, you'll usually find Ballenger at a local brewery, the dog park with Taz, her spoiled rotten Gordon Setter, or camped out with a good book and copious amounts of coffee.