One of the major drawbacks of the Coronavirus is that it turns your friends and all that you do to show them affection – hugs, kisses, share meals and drinks – into a deadly threat. And yet, in this appalling moment, we need our friends more than ever, and it is probably true that our immune systems do, too. Isolation is bad for a species addicted to social interactions. Here are a few ideas that might help you.

Cocktail Hour on Video Conferencing With Friends
Use Zoom or any other video conferencing means to invite your for drinks in front of their laptop (or phone) at a time when you might normally meet in a pub or at each other’s homes. It’s surprising what a difference it can make to a day of isolation, and to your spirits in general, to see your friends’ faces in the evening and hear them talk and laugh.

The scale of Covid-19 and what it’s doing to us is very worrying, but an hour with different friends every evening really helps reduce anxiety. You could dress up, light candles, provide nibbles (crisps make too much noise). Whatever joy is released when you see your pals in the flesh is also present in these video cocktails.

Gardening
This connects us with the outdoors and the gentle satisfaction of watching things grow brings a unique positivity. If you do not have a garden, there are plenty of ways to grow indoors.

A sunny windowsill, inside or out. It is best if you are a beginner to grow herbs. They’re easy and delicious – and when supermarket supplies are low they become increasingly worthwhile. The plastic trays that tomatoes come in will do – just make some holes in the bottom for drainage.

Fill the plastic tray with peat-free multipurpose. Parsley and basil grow along happily next to one another, but mint’s a bit of a thug and better in its own pot. You can also chuck in some salad leaf seeds: pea shoots, rocket and nasturtiums germinate quickly and are tasty at any point in their growing cycle. Sow according to packet instructions.

Keep the soil moist – an old spray bottle is perfect for this – before and after shoots appear. If you harvest no more than a third of the plant at a time, all should bounce back.

Home Bound Exercise
There’s lots of great online content available. Here is a YouTube video showing cardio bodyweight workout from trainer Lita Lewis. There is a run on home gym equipment right now, but dumbbells, ropes and other useful products are still available online. Choose what’s right for your space. 

There’s so anecdotal and scientific evidence showing how important fitness is for mental health: so during this very stressful time, it’s even more important. It also boosts the immune system.

But exercise isn’t just about health – it’s often a social activity, too. Work out with a friend on FaceTime or have an online dance party with your family. Search Instagram or Facebook for your favorite band’s live show and join the live audience. That will be a new and awesome experience. Find something on YouTube and dance for half an hour and you would have taken care of your cardio for the day.

Sewing & Crocheting
If you can sew now is a good time to mend all those clothes you have been meaning to. Click here to learn how to darn varuois items. If you cannot sew, how about crocheting?  It is felt be some that crocheting eliminates stress and eases anxiety. Click here to see more on the benefits of crocheting.