When dealing with boredom or loneliness, many would remedy it by calling up a friend or family member to get together and do an outing. However, what happens when we can no longer hang out at the mall, dine at a restaurant or enjoy a day at the beach? This is the dilemma many of us are having to cope with during the mandated quarantine due to the pandemic. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are feeling lonely and anxious. To help you combat such feelings, here are 5 tips that can help:

1. Stay in Contact – Maintaining regular contact via video chat is a great way to find some sense of normalcy. Try keeping a regular time each week to stay in contact with your friends. Schedule a game night, start a book club or simply just check in for a few minutes each day to say ‘Hi.’

2. Find a New Escape – Without some of the more traditional ‘outlets’ of escape available, such as concerts, sporting events or festivals, try finding a new hobby to take your mind away from your anxiety. Get lost in a new book, binge a new TV show, pick up an old hobby or start a new one!

3. Be Philanthropic – Helping those in need can help you feel a reinvigorated sense of enthusiasm and happiness. There is a high demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) so look for ways to help donate PPE to local hospitals and healthcare facilities or even learn how to make masks for your neighbors and friends. Look for opportunities to help your neighbors and friends by doing a grocery or pharmacy run. If you still want to do more, then donate to your favorite charities and make a difference within your community.

4. Get Outside (If Able) – If you are able to get outside and do physical activities then this can be a great way to decrease your stress and anxiety caused by loneliness during isolation. If you’re lucky enough to live near hiking trails or other things, check with your local municipalities to see if these trails are open and get moving.

5. Virtual Classes and Tours – One of the most unique situations happening due to social distancing and quarantine orders is the rise of free, online courses. Places such as gyms, universities, museums and other facilities have taken to social media and video platforms to give free, live lessons or even virtual tours for educational lessons. Search for a class that you’ve been meaning to take, see if it’s available virtually and start furthering your education in areas you may never have had time for.