As the United States experiences widespread school closures and governmental orders to close public places that attract crowds due to COVID-19, you’re likely to hear the term “social distancing” several times a day.

Social distancing includes several measures that can slow down the spread of COVID-19 to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with sick individuals. This means keeping a safe distance (approximately 6 feet) from others and avoiding gathering spaces such as homes, at schools, churches, concert halls, and public transportation.

It’s critical that everyone practices social distancing, not just those who are sick, as this can help vulnerable populations, like older adults, from getting the virus.

Here are a few extra things you can do at home to practice social distancing and to help from yourself, and others, from getting sick:

• Stay at home and do not invite anyone who isn’t in your immediate family over
• Wash your hands multiple times a day with soap and warm water
• Clean your home with products such as bleach, vinegar, and other standard cleaning products
• If you’re going to order in food have the courier leave the package outside
• Have your groceries delivered instead of leaving your home
• If you must go outside, wear gloves and practice social distancing
• If you’re feeling any symptoms, contact the Georgia Department of Health’s COVID-19 hotline, at (844) 442-2681

For a few tips to help with your mental health at home during this time. here are a few things you can do:

• Make sure to move your body. Many fitness studios have gone virtual during this time and are offering online classes and tutorials.
• Watch a feel-good movie or show
• Take time to read a good book
• Cook some home meals
• Listen to a great podcast
• Take online course
• Learn a new skill from home
• Clean your house and organize a closet that you’ve been putting off
• Facetime your loved ones to get ensure you’re getting the social interaction you need

We are all in this together and through social distancing, we can stay apart to come together.