Social distancing is one way people can help to slow the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.  The idea is to limit your exposure to others as much as possible. 

While social distancing is not supposed to be complete isolation, it can get lonely very quickly.  Below are a few tips to help you navigate social distancing, or as we like to call it, safety distancing because it’s about staying safe, not being isolated.

Stay Connected

• If you have the technology, video chat with friends and family. Chances are, they feel the same way as you with distancing recommendations becoming stronger across the country.
• Pick up the phone and call family members and friends. This old-school method can be overlooked but a huge benefit for people who don’t have the video-chatting capability. 
• Create a plan. Just like meeting with a friend, set a plan for video chatting or calling loved ones. 
• Write letters. Especially if you have kids at home, take the time to write letters or e-mails to loved ones, people you wouldn’t normally get to talk to, or friends and teachers from school they’re missing.

Stay Healthy

• Get your exercise. If you don’t already have a workout routine, try starting one since you might already be adjusting to a new daily routine. Plus, exercise helps combat stress, so whether you’re still going into the workplace or are home, stress relief is more important than ever. Here are a few ideas you can use to start moving in your day.  
• Don’t ignore nutrition. Eating well can help you build your immune system and will make you feel better with more energy.  Eating healthy food doesn’t have to be difficult.  Follow a few of these easy tips for guidance. 
• Practice stress management. It’s okay to not feel okay right now.  The world is changing by the day, even sometimes by the hour, and nothing feels normal.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need help with managing stress, check out this blog post with tips on connecting to others and getting support. 

Stay Home

• Follow your local government’s recommendations and any enacted shelter in place orders. They’re meant to stop the spread and keep people safe.
• Order prescriptions, groceries, or takeout for delivery. Call your pharmacy to see if you can get your medications delivered or work with a mail-order pharmacy if your plan offers it.
• Work from home if possible. Not all positions, industries or employers can offer this, but if you are able to work from home, it allows your coworkers who do need to be at work to better practice social distancing. Follow these 5 great working from home tips if you do work from home.

If You Have To Go Out

• Stay 6 feet away. The CDC recommends keeping at least 6 feet between you and those around you. Obviously this is hard for medical professionals and those at fixed workstations, but if you can distance, do so. If out shopping, use the self-checkout lanes to limit your exposure to other people.
• Wash & sanitize. Don’t forget to wipe off any surfaces like your steering wheel and handles in the car, door knobs at work or at home, the grocery cart and wash your hands when you’re done.
• Be prepared. Having a well-thought-out list can limit your time in public. Organize your list by aisle so you don’t wander around the store.
• Shop early in the morning on a weekday instead of peak hours like noon or on the weekend.
• If able, donate to a foodbank. Social distancing is all about protecting your community and this is another way to keep people safe.  Call your foodbank ahead of time and drop off items they need.