Editor's note: Millions of lives are transformed around the world as countries impose lockdowns and people self-quarantine. While most are staying at home to be responsible citizens, there is a lesser evil they need to battle against: boredom, anxiousness and stir craziness. CGTN's Louisa Lee made a few video calls to her family and friends in Canada, U.S., and China to find out what they have been doing to stay social while practicing social-distancing.

With many countries imposing lockdowns to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, many are thinking outside the box to stay entertained and connected. In Italy, people chant and play instruments from their balconies in a show of communal unity. Getting in touch with one another in this perilous time is necessary, and for most, it requires technological tools.

In Beijing, Alexia Lee is delving into the gastronomic sphere by connecting with foodies online, and at the same time, she's brushing up her culinary skills.

In Los Angeles, Jenny Yeh, the mother of three-year-old Gemma Muga, is keeping her little one entertained by setting up a camping site in their own backyard, with the classic movie "E.T. the Extra Terrestrial."

And Gemma's friend, Cameron Kravits, is not doing his Roundhouse kicks alone, but with a bunch of his karate friends via video chat. 

In another part of the city, Audrey Liu is connecting with her best friend Anny Lee in Winnipeg, Canada. With work on a pause, they can enjoy happy hours together virtually, since their schedules are now more flexible than ever.

In Winnipeg, the Sorba family is taking in what nature has to offer by going out for walks, and the furry ones, Dakota and Cricket, are loving every minute of it.

In Chicago, Ken Monro, who named his new pal, pitbull Q, short for "quarantine," is joining scores of animal lovers who are fostering or adopting dogs and cats at this time. While he is only fostering Q, Ken says he wants to ensure that Q is well-trained so that he can find a forever home soon.

Shelters in the U.S. and UK are seeing a sudden increase, with one UK shelter, experiencing double the adoption rate compared to the same time last year. With more time on their hands, many are seeking companionship, and luckily for some rescuees, they can be out of the pound for good.

The pandemic may have changed the world temporarily, interrupting our routines and our lives as we know it. But hopefully when the curve is flattened for good, we'll have a stronger bond with our loved ones, whether it's as close as in the same city, or as far as thousands of kilometers away.