Distancing, Socially

DW and I are doing our part in self isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are both lucky enough to have jobs where we can easily work from home, using Google Hangouts to keep in touch with our co-workers. I have a desk that is set up in our basement; she is set up at our main computer workstation, in our dining room.

Meanwhile, our kids are chatting with their friends through social media and are binging on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

But we still feel that we need to get outside for fresh air and exercise. Every day, this week, we've taken some time to get on trails around the city: the Chapman Mills Conservation Area, Mooney's Bay, Hog's Back, the Arboretum, and along the Ottawa River.

We've also reached out to friends who are in the same boat and also want to get outside.

We arrive in separate vehicles and keep a healthy distance from one another.

Just because health officials are stressing that we avoid crowds and exercise social distancing, they are not saying that we must avoid cautious contact. We humans are social creatures, and our mental health depends on being around others.

We're going to continue to get out with friends and will ensure that we don't get too close to one another. Until health authorities say differently, we're going to remain social.

From a distance.

What are you doing to combat cabin fever? Share your thoughts.

Stay safe, folks.