It wasn’t long ago that the term “social distancing” was an unknown idea to most people. Today, you hear it multiple times each day. It’s critical for all of us to remain apart from one another in order to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. The result is that you may feel a little stir-crazy. Here are five simple ways to stay in touch with loved ones while in isolation.
Schedule in Video Calls with Friends & Family
Remember when you used to go to Sunday brunch each week with family? This isn’t possible anymore. Don’t worry, there should come a day in the not-too-distant future when we can all enjoy the physical company of loved ones again. For now, why don’t you schedule regular video chats so you aren’t feeling as though you’re in complete isolation?
It’s possible that you already have your favorite method for video calls. If you don’t, here are options to consider:
- Google Hangout
- FaceTime
- Skype
- Zoom
One good idea is to try and get all your loved ones to decide on the same platform for calls. This will make it easy for everyone to hop on and communicate without needing to remember multiple passwords. It also shortens the learning curve for anyone in your circle who is a little bit tech-challenged.
Source: ShutterstockGet a Virtual Party or Game Night in Place
Even though you can’t go out to parties or play cards in person during this time, that doesn’t mean you can’t still play games with family and friends. There’s a video chat app called Houseparty that comes with many unique and exciting features that make social distancing feel far less isolated.
All you need to do is create an account after downloading Houseparty from Google Play or the App Store. Your next step is to add your friends and family members. From there, you can all start chatting and even start up a party.
Here are two interesting Houseparty features:
- Facemail: This allows you to record party highlights and pass them around to friends who missed the fun
- Lock chat rooms to make them more private
Ready for a virtual game night? Heads Up and Pictionary are built into this app so you can all play together as a group. Download it now and set up your first virtual game night!
How About a Social-Distanced Music Party?
JQBX (Jukebox) is an app that lets you create music parties with your loved ones. You can download JQBX from Google Play or the App Store or simply use the website app.
JQBX is completely free and links up to your Spotify account. Once you’re ready, you can get friends and family together and listen to your favorite music. You might also play the part of DJ or join a party that’s already going on. As the music thumps, you and your friends can chat, share your favorite music moments and even vote yes or no on each song.
Why not go the extra mile? Combine JQBX with your favorite video chat app and turn the music party into a dance party.
Source: ShutterstockStart the New-Style Movie Night
Do you and your loved ones enjoy movies? There’s no need to allow COVID-19 to stop movie night. Download a free app called Netflix Party and get movie night started while following all social distancing rules.
To get the movie started, log into Netflix Party and choose the movie everybody wants to watch together. Select the “NP” button and you’ll get a party URL to share with your group. Use group chat to:
- Share emojis
- Upload screenshots
- Share GIFs
Using those interactive features allows everyone to communicate funny or sarcastic thoughts as the movie runs.
Take Your Kids to the Zoo
Looking for something you can do with your kids and keep them from going wild all over the house? Why don’t you take them to the zoo? Virtually, of course!
There are many aquariums and zoos putting together livestream opportunities to see the animals. You can use a simple cell phone call with friends and family and talk as everyone takes in the same livestream. Or, connect on a video chat app so you can all see one another as you go to the zoo together.
There’s no need to feel completely isolated during this time of social distancing. Use the above ideas to stay connected and enjoy time with loved ones as much as possible.
