Everyone is practicing social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. This safety measure can make you feel isolated and lonely, but luckily, there are lots of ways that you can connect with your family and friends while you’re safe at home.
Video Calls
One of the best ways that you can keep in touch is to use video conferencing/calling apps on your phone, computer, or tablet. These are some apps that you can try:
- Zoom
- Skype
- Google Duo
- FaceTime
These apps let you call someone and see their face in real-time. You can bring in more than one person on the call. Have the whole family on at the same time and have a mini-reunion on your screen.
Social Media
Social media applications like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are great ways to stay in touch right now. You can see updates about everyone’s lives through written posts, pictures, and videos.
You can share tidbits of your life, too. Did you get inspired to bake? Take a photo of the finished recipe. Did you read a good book? Post your recommendation. Your family and friends will appreciate your updates.
Letters, Cards, and Deliveries
The postal service is still running, so feel free to send out a card or letter. The World Health Organization has announced that catching COVID-19 from mail is very unlikely and that sending/receiving mail should be safe. Just wash your hands after touching a letterbox or a new package, and you should be fine.
And you can order items from online stores and have them delivered directly to your family. So, if you’re afraid that you’re missing an important celebration, you can send a gift right to their doorstep.
Get Creative
You can do more than talk online. You can do the activities that you’ve always enjoyed with your loved ones. Here are some ideas that you can try:
- Host a virtual dinner party with the whole family. Ask for everyone to dress up for the special occasion.
- Use Netflix Party to have a movie night or binge-watch a television show together.
- Host a game night using virtual party games like Jackbox and Classic Games.
Why Is It So Important?
Self-isolation can take a toll on your mental health. Using tech to talk to your family and friends will make you feel calm, happy, and hopeful during a very stressful time.
Tech is also good for keeping mentally active in those moments when you aren’t socializing. Sign up for online classes to learn a new skill. Go on virtual museum and gallery tours. Look up new recipes, documentaries, music, and more. You can spread your horizons from the comfort of your own home.
To find out what our senior housing communities are doing to support our residents during this time, click on the link. Click here to learn about our latest news and events or visit our social media. You can also click here to learn more about assisted living options in Manitoba and our Winnipeg retirement communities.
Social distancing is hard, but it will be a lot easier to get through when you connect with your family and friends. Use the above methods to stay socially active while staying healthy and safe.