And yes! here we go again with a blog post dedicated to covid19, but this one will be different, I promise!
First of all, it will be, because the situation is: a lot has changed since my last coronavirus article. However, some things don't change, such as the concept of social distancing. Many people don't care about it, but EdLive strongly recommends it, and it can save lives. If it still matters to you and your loved ones, here are a few ideas on how to respect it without isolating yourself forever in your dungeon.
1. Go for online games!
If playing with strangers suits you perfectly, you can simply opt for online video games. In this case, you can just count your pennies and buy yourself an expensive console. Geeks will say that's a nice proposition, but I've got something better! Online board games offered by Montreal game bars like Randolph. This one offers general knowledge games, for example.
Escape game companies are getting in on the act too. They offer you the chance to invite your cleverest friends to an online escape game and get your adrenaline flowing. Not to mention the fact that you follow Mr. Legault's instructions. So you're guaranteed cheat-free games, or games where you can cheat in peace, it's up to you.
2. The best way to keep in touch: video calls
I'm sure you've already thought about it, but what could be better than staying in touch virtually? Phones are great, the soft voices of your friends are Eldorado, but seeing them is better. Not physically, of course, but through easy-to-use applications. And just between you and me, I don't really see the point of touching your friends.
Grab your cell phone or computer and take note of what I suggest. For those of us who don't have many friends, it's entirely possible to opt for calls via messenger or whatsapp, for example. A quick reminder of what I mean by "not many friends": a maximum of four people taking part in the call. For those of us with more friends than David Ghetta, Houseparty is the Holy Grail. On this application dedicated to videos and games between friends, you can be more than four, well not a hundred either, but eight is already better. Of course, I'm going to give you a little presentation of my favorite.
As I mentioned earlier, the platform features games such as Trivia, Heads up, Chips and Guac and Quick draw. What's more, you can have your own private "houses", as well as crashing into the "houses" of complete strangers. So if your friends don't want to join you, don't hesitate to infiltrate other people's houses. Even if you're always wrong, Houseparty also lets you record a short message to your friend who's always late or absent.
3. Cinema is so has-been
One of the things we like to do with friends (especially during the week, as it's cheaper) is go to the cinema. As I'm very predictable, you can imagine that I'm going to tell you that it's closed! But I can't be a killjoy without offering you a quality alternative. To replace the famous Cinéplex Odéon for French speakers, what could be better than Netflix party!? For those unfamiliar with this crazy extension, here are a few explanations.
As mentioned above, this is an extension you need to add via Chrome and use with Netflix. Thanks to this extension, you can watch movies at the same time as your friends and comment on them. Even in the cinema, you can't do that: talk and comment during the show. So, from the comfort of your sofa, you can watch the dullest movies you want and write all your comments, no matter how useless, in the chat. So put on your softest pyjamas and call up your friends to enjoy it all.
4. Since gatherings are permitted...
Please note! Gatherings don't open the door to all windows. Distancing yourself is always the rule, but seeing each other physically is now possible. To do so, put your mats at a reasonable distance from each other. Then, if you want to move around more, why not take up a sport? Team sports are now allowed under certain conditions, or else I have other sports in mind. For example, walking or running, each on his or her own sidewalk or over long distances. Another very nice sport is yoga. It allows you to stand more than 2 meters apart, and is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. Let's get moving!
5. Beware of cabin syndrome
If, despite my advice and all your good will, you find it hard to go out and see your friends again, it may be due to something else. Maybe you need to change friends...
No, seriously, have you ever heard of cabin syndrome? It's a feeling of anguish or anxiety about the possibility of being deconfined or confronted with the outside world. This syndrome can be akin to depression, but here are a few indicators not to be overlooked:
- Emotional fatigue
- Loss of motivation (or anxiety)
- A fear of everything that might happen outside
In short, social distancing is not obsolete, and with these few tips you can remedy it without putting Quebec at risk. And if you want to stay at home for a while longer, that's okay! Here are a few ideas to keep you from getting bored.
