If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that we all need human interaction and connection in our lives. COVID-19 has made this more difficult with quarantining and social distancing guidelines, but it’s also brought us new and creative ways to stay connected to the ones we love. Now’s the perfect time to try one of these ideas out:
1. FaceTime Appointments
The best way to make sure you’re staying connected is to schedule when you’re going to FaceTime who each week. For example, after looking at your schedule you figure out that you can FaceTime your grandparents on Wednesdays at 6pm. This will make your loved one’s week!
2. Window Visits
Many individuals have found it challenging to stay connected to their loved ones living in a nursing home. One common thing to do in this situation is to visit their window so you can see them in person. Write sweet notes, bring pictures or draw them something then tape your work to the window for them to see.
3. Online Games
You may not be able to play a physical card game with your family members, but there are countless online collaborative games to play with them. Click here to check out a website that allows you to play card games with friends and family on a virtual tabletop in real-time.
4. Virtual Exercise Class
Getting your physical activity in while connecting with family members is a double whammy. You can either follow the same workout plan and complete them at the same time each day or both follow the same livestreamed workout class video. Either way, you can hold each other accountable and motivate each other.
5. Weekly TV Show, Movie or Book Club Meetings
Pick a book, TV show or movie to finish “with” your loved one and create a plan for how much you’ll read or watch each week. FaceTime or call each other at a scheduled day and time to talk about where you’re at so far.
6. Make and Eat Dinner Together
Dig back in your family cookbook and find a recipe that you would both enjoy. Set up your phone or computer on FaceTime and make the meal at the same time as you catch up in conversation. Then, you can try your dish together and have a virtual dinner.
7. Tune into Livestream Events
Virtual concerts are becoming more and more common with social distancing guidelines in place. If there’s a virtual concert that interests you, reach out to a family member and see if they want to “attend” with you. You can both livestream the event and talk about your thoughts on the performances afterwards.
COVID-19 has made staying connected with family members a challenge, but it’s one that our world has already overcome. With modern technology and a little creativity, you can find unique and fun ways to stay connected. Plus, the day you do see them in person again will be that much more special!