How to Stay Connected to Your Loved Ones While Staying Apart

For the last few months, people across the world have been spending a lot more time at home as they practice social distancing; which has made maintaining — and strengthening — our connections with our loved ones more important than ever before. 

Thanks to the likes of Zoom, Teams, Skype, FaceTime, House Party and Google Hangouts, there’s no shortage of apps that will help you keep in touch with your friends and family — whether they’re on the other side of the city or the other side of the world. 

If you’re looking to get creative with your digital hangouts, here are some ways you can stay connected to your loved ones while socially distancing:

Pop some popcorn and have a movie night. 

With plenty of new movie releases hitting on-demand and streaming services, it’s the perfect time to settle in and watch a film — even if the person you want to watch them with may be miles away. 

Get a group of friends together via video chat and settle on a film to watch; grab your favorite movie snacks and hit “Play”. Being able to hear and see everyone else’s reactions will make it feel like you’re all  together. 

Take a virtual tour. 

Plenty of attractions from around the world — from museums to zoos, heritage sights to aquariums — are offering free online tours at the minute. 

So, while we may not have been able to jet off on holidays this summer, there’s still time to see some incredible sights (and do it all from the comfort of your living room). 

Host an online game night. 

There are so many ways to have a game night with your loved ones, even if you can’t necessarily be in the same room. 

Whether you’re gathering over Zoom to play charades or Pictionary, or are “meeting up” online to play games on the Nintendo Switch or PS4, it’s sure to be an entertaining night. 

Plan a (virtual) dinner. Or breakfast. Or brunch. 

It’s not quite the same as if you were able to see them in person, but having a (digital) meal with your loved ones — whether they’re in a different city, state, timezone or continent — and having the chance to share your day with them can be a massive boost and make so much of a difference.

Or, if you’re looking to get a bit more creative, you can try out a brand new recipe — or two, or three — and then enjoy the delicious treats as you catch up with your loved one. 

Start an online book club — or even a socially-distanced one. 

There’s been no shortage of incredible books hitting the (digital) shelves over the last few months, so why not start your own virtual book club with your own friends and family? 

It will create a sense of virtual togetherness, and you’ll get to go on plenty of big adventures as the pages go on. 

How are you staying connected while staying apart?

Header by Chris Montgomery

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