Remote Networking Tips #5: Finding things to do in Lockdown

We have lost count of the weeks, we don’t know what day it is and we are continuing to adjust to the changes in our lives and the world around us. It can be a time to thrive, but it can also be challenging. Particularly for extroverts and people who are used to a busy social (networking) calendar.

People are having very different social distancing experiences. Everyone I chat with is experiencing something different and managing things in a different way.

It is important to chat with people and find out what they are doing and how they are spending their time if they are willing to share and you will learn lots more about people (that you wouldn’t otherwise find out) and you will pick up loads of tips of things to try, attend, watch, or listen to.

From a personal perspective, I’m someone with both extroverted and introverted tendencies. I love to socialise, collaborate and be around others. However, I also thrive on my own and love my own time and my own space and can suffer if I don’t get enough of it. However, I have been fascinated by all the activities and events that are now available to us.

From speaking to more extroverted friends and family I am seeing a real difference in their routines – they are socialising online a lot more via Zoom and other apps, they are participating in virtual activities and classes frequently (e.g. Dancing, Yoga, Keep-Fit Classes, Chatting with Friends and Family and doing group activities such as pub quizzes, games nights, cocktail making, wine tasting; creating and sharing videos etc).

Other friends who are more introverted talk about being fed up of the news and bored with Netflix. They are spending more time with their families, gardening, crafting, writing, joining virtual book clubs, learning new skills and mindfulness.

However, the great thing is that we can all try any of these things whatever our natural personality and try something new during the lockdown period (as weird as it is) and we are all making new connections and building relationships.

Share your tips on how you’re coping during lockdown!