Life has changed for everyone around the globe. Schools are closed, businesses are shutting down, major events have been postponed or cancelled, and citizens have been forced to incarcerate themselves in their homes to stay safe from the Coronavirus that has spread at an alarming rate. Reasonably so, people are stressed out and plagued with uncertainty of what will come about our future and how many lives will be lost before this outbreak is over.

As we endure what may be the most terrifying global event since the 2009 Swine Flu Pandemic, we are forced ponder ways we can go about this new lifestyle called social distancing where people are urged to stay home and abstain from socializing with friends and loved ones as a measure to stopping the virus. To say the least, social distancing is not very fun practice for many people, especially those whose lives consist of going out with friends on a near daily basis. As hard as it is, it is a necessary practice that is believed to be the key to bringing the ongoing spread of the virus to a halt. But what are some good ways we can cope with this lifestyle?

Well, the idea of socializing beyond being in the physical presence of your friends is basically staying connected with them. When your forced to be away from them, staying connected with them can be a little challenging. That is why we have ever-expanding technology now that allows us to stay connected with one another in ways previous generations weren't able to do before including Facetime which now allows chat with up 32 people. It is solid way to stay connecting with friends while feeling their presence in spite of their distance.

If that's not enough, Netflix has just recently released a new feature called Netflix Party, a google chrome extension that allows users to gather in a group chat while watching the movie or TV show of your choice. Never has the fun of chilling on Netflix with your friends without their physical presence been easy.

When you are young and spending time with friends is a such a major part of your life, social distancing can be stressful. You may feel lonely, maybe even a little lost, but there are ways to coping with separation anxiety that comes when stuck with unfavorable circumstances of limiting your world to your home and not being able to leave aside from essential situations like shopping and work. This is just proof that social distancing, as hard as it may be for some, is a practice we can survive.