For most of us, the most important thing that we can do to help with coronavirus is to stay at home. Sounds easy, right?
Well, if you’re like me, you’re probably finding that it’s getting a little less easy as the weeks wear on. Even if we are all participating in the most collective experience of our lives right now, it’s hard to feel connected when we’re so physically isolated.
That’s why I’ve been collecting some different things to try out to stay connected while staying at home. It takes some effort and a willingness to try something new, but there’s really no limit to the types of activities that we can do together virtually thanks to today’s technology.
Some of the ideas that I’ve collected probably aren’t new to you, but I want to pass them on because I know that I need reminders to actually try some of this stuff out. Because this situation is new to all of us, and it takes some effort to adapt to the new normal.
Before launching into all of the innovative online options that are out there, let’s all remember to just pick up the phone, too. It just takes a moment to call or text a friend, and quite often a little chat or check-in is all that we need to remind ourselves that we’re connected.
Use Social Media or Zoom to Catch up With Friends & Family Members
Almost all the social media websites and applications today offer this feature where you can video chat with your friends and family. You can even have a group video chat with more than two people on most of the social media platforms out there.
Through these applications, you can stay connected with the people who matter the most every day, even if you are video calling them just to say hi.
Join local groups that are adjusting to life online
If there are some groups that you’re a member of that usually meet in person, check to see whether they have made the move to meeting online for the time being.
I’ve been impressed by how many organizations in my area have made the transition, as well as how quickly they’ve done it. Everybody from special interest clubs and support groups to activist organizations and mastermind circles are meeting on tools like Zoom now.
Most of them are very welcoming to visitors and new members, making this a great time to explore the possibilities from home.
Livestream your workout and meditation sessions
There’s also no reason to exercise alone unless you want to right now either.
While plenty of trainers are offering instruction online, it’s also easy to just hop onto a video call with a friend or two for a workout.
In fact, this is a great time to share what you know with others and learn new techniques. You’ll be encouraging each other to keep your self-care up too!
Try out some Zoom dinner dates & coffee breaks
All of us are looking forward to things like breaking bread and having coffee with our loved ones in person again soon.
Sitting down for a morning cup of coffee with a friend on Zoom is still pretty sweet though and a nice way to start the day. Romantic couples are keeping the flame alive while apart with virtual dinner dates. Foodie friends are having fun by making the same meals together while at home.
I even have friends who reported that their recent online Easter dinner or Passover meal was surprisingly intimate.
Bookend challenging situations and celebrate wins digitally
One great way to stay connected right now is to bookend difficult situations with members of your support group.
All that this involves is checking in with a friend before facing a hard situation or task and then checking out with them once you’re done. Examples of things you might bookend include a difficult conversation with someone or tackling a task you’ve been procrastinating about.
Bookending offers you a way to ask for support while allowing others into your life, and you can encourage your friends to bookend items of their own with you, too.
A similar simpler method of staying connected is to just celebrate the daily wins in your life as you run across them. If you’re feeling a moment of accomplishment or experience an unexpected windfall during the day, shoot a friend a text about it. They’d probably be thrilled to share in your joy.
Throw a Netflix Party and stream a movie or show together
Binge-watching Netflix is one way to pass the time during quarantine, but it can become an unhealthy habit, too.
But inviting people to an online movie night turns the isolation of it all on its head. Apps like Netflix Party allow you to sync up your online viewing with friends.
Note that Netflix Party is only available on Chrome using a laptop or desktop computer.
If you want to skip using an app, you can also just arrange to watch a movie together over the phone or call one another once the movie is over to share what you thought of it.
Explore museums and other cultural experiences together virtually
As you may have heard, there are also a ton of virtual tours available right now of world famous museums. From the ancient artifacts of Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology to incredible works of art from a range of historical periods at New York’s Guggenheim Museum, you don’t have to leave your house to see some truly amazing collections.
And you don’t have to do it alone. You can explore these together with someone by using screenshare on tools like Zoom, or you and your friends meet after touring a particular museum on your own. In addition to museums, virtual tours are available of destinations ranging from the San Diego Zoo to Walt Disney World.
Craft together using video chat or pictures
If you are connected to more creative types, consider setting up a time where you can all work together on your own projects.
Sharing your creative process with another as you hone your collective crafts is actually pretty easy to do with a little planning and streaming video.
Personally, I’ve had a great time making vision boards in person with my friends in the past. Working on that kind of project remotely would be a little different, but I bet it could be just as rewarding.
Challenge others to a step competition
It’s important to stay physically active during this period, and most of us can still get out for a walk unless we’re under strict quarantine. If you’ve got a fitness tracker or decent mobile device, consider sharing your daily steps with friends and encouraging them to do the same.
You might challenge each other to get out for a certain number of steps each day, and it doesn’t need to be a lot to be worthwhile. You can also share pictures of things that you see during your walk or simply catch up on the phone with someone while you are out for a stroll.
Enjoy some light fun with a virtual board or game of cards
Finding some kind of game to play together online is another easy and fun way to stay connected.
With modern gaming consoles, there’s no limit to the gaming experiences that are out there. Personally, I prefer the classic board and card games, and I was surprised just how many have online versions these days that you can play with your friends.
Find your own projects to collaborate together on online
Lastly, staying connected with people doesn’t always need to involve seeing each other or interacting in real-time, as great as that is.
For example, you can start a Google Doc with friends and collaborate on just about anything. In fact, my tribe and I have a shared doc that we’ve been working on lately where we’re sharing other ways that we can stay together while staying at home.
I hope that you found these ideas for staying connected helpful!
On my end, I’m looking forward to exploring some new ways to stay connected with members of the Women Living in Community network, including some live broadcasts. I hope that you’ll be able to join me!
So if you’re not already signed up, be sure to subscribe for updates from our network now. That’s the easiest way to know what we’re doing next, as well as when a new post has been published.
