Independent Living Five Tricks to Make the Isolation Bearable! 3/24/2020 | By Terri L. Jones You’ve cleaned out the kitchen cabinets, bagged up the clothes you don’t wear anymore, read a couple of books, talked for hours on the phone to your friends, watched more television than you care to admit, and even dusted all the baseboards. While you’ve managed to fritter away a week, maybe 10 days, without coming in direct contact with anyone but your family, you may have a long way to go! What do you do now? Check out our five clever ways to pass the extra time you suddenly on your hands, and, most importantly, make the isolation bearable! Virtual Girls’ Night In Just because you can’t get together in person for that monthly card game or dinner party doesn’t mean you can’t see your friends during this time. Thanks to video conferencing applications like Zoom or GoToMeeting, you can get the gang together over a glass of wine or to talk about the book you’re reading for book club. Seeing your friends’ faces will instantly make you feel less alone in this isolation crisis. Almost-Live Music From Your Recliner Concerts and live music are cancelled, but many local musicians are using technology to continue entertaining their fans in their comfort of their own homes and collecting donations to offset the gigs they’re missing – regardless of isolation. Check out your favorite musician’s social media pages to see if he or she is hosting virtual concerts. The bar service isn’t as good, but the music will definitely give your boring routine a boost. Top Chef: Home Version Go to your pantry and select two or three items that you’ve been meaning to use – and that go together taste-wise – and Google “recipe that includes x,y,z + your protein of choice.” You will be amazed at the interesting new dishes you’ll come up with! Learn Something New To really make the isolation bearable: register for that online class you’ve never had time for! Or, join MasterClass and discover your favorite author’s formula for short stories or how that TV chef makes Chicken Kiev. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, there’s a YouTube out there for just about every subject – from playing the piano to building a birdhouse. Dine Out at Home When you’re not seeing anyone but your spouse or your dog, there’s the tendency to not make much effort in many departments. One evening, shake things up a bit by cooking a new recipe and then dressing up, doing your hair and putting on some makeup. Then set the table with your best China and linens, light the candles, and enjoy that meal – even if you’re at a table for one. Related: The hidden danger of isolation during COVID-19 and its emotional fallout And while you’re in isolation, make sure you’re staying healthy! Read More Terri L. Jones Terri L. Jones has been writing educational and informative topics for the senior industry for over 10 years, and is a frequent and longtime contributor to Seniors Guide.