HOW TO STAY CONNECTED WITH FAR-OFF LOVED ONES DURING THE PANDEMIC

Humans are social animals. Thus, it is safe to say that we are missing meeting our friends, family, and partners. With the Covid-19 pandemic rendering us isolate at home, the people we used to meet on the daily or for weekly get-togethers are now available only through our laptop screens. Video calls and daily phone calls are all fine, but they still feel like there is a big part of human connection missing. Connecting with our loved ones is an essential part of our better well-being. Several studies have shown that socializing is good for mental as well as physical health. But during these times, where practicing social distancing is the norm- interacting with friends and family can be a dare. However, there are several ways to stay and feel connected with the far-off loved ones during this crisis.

Connect Digitally

In today’s time where everything is now virtual, digital connections run strong. It can help

connect with the loved ones living far off. Digitalization has opened up far more avenues for

virtual interaction. Here are just a few:

Because of distancing, people cannot meet and hang out after work for a friendly chit-chat

over tea or coffee. It does not mean that hanging out cannot take place online. Pour a hot cup

of tea and have a video conference one-on-one or with the whole gang. Technology can never

cease to surprise! You can now watch movies online with your friends! Nothing beats

cuddling with your friends with shared snacks, but for now- this will do. You and your

friends can decide on a movie to watch together by running it simultaneously on your

respective systems or, even simpler, use an app like Netflix Party.

Art and crafts work great for one’s mental health, as crafting can help people relax and take

their minds off current stressors. A shared vision board on Pinterest is a good group activity.

One could also have everyone paint a similar subject or draw portraits of each other and

present them on a group chat. Lockdown does not mean you cannot have a dinner party with

your friends online. You can pick a recipe and set up a video chat to cook with a friend across

town or even across the globe. If you make the same recipe, it will be like you all are sitting

together and having a fun dinner party.

Finally, nothing beats game night. Traditional game nights are still fun if you and your loved

ones play them together. Even a virtual game night can be fun if you are close and happy.

Throw a fun-filled evening together to combat the distance blues and get your adrenaline

pumping.

Make a phone call

Calling someone may seem very old-fashioned in the current era of texting, but who knows- a

little old-fashioned may just be what we need today. The voice of our near and dear ones is

a soothing balm to our hearts and minds, after a long day.

Write letters

Another activity that is old-fashioned, but can be a great way of keeping in touch with your

loved ones during these tough times. Take some time to write a personalized letter, like

letting them know about what you have been up to, what you miss about them, and be sure to

ask for a letter in return- not the boring electronic one, but a pen and paper one. This way

everybody can keep in touch while having something to look forward to when the mail

comes.

Sending pictures

Letters and photographs are personal means of communication, and thus nothing beats

receiving photographs from your loved ones. Every week, for example, you can print out a

couple of pictures and write something on the back and send them to a relative or friend.

Sending pictures is a great way of keeping in touch with those who are not tech-savvy.

Send money

Sending money is a way to show your loved ones that you are there for them during these

tough times. With some digital methods of banking available today, you can support

your loved ones financially as well.

 

Engaging in productive and interactive activities has an overall improving effect on one’s health and life- especially if done with those who we hold dear. Thus, staying connected with family, companions, and neighbors is of paramount importance as we get through these uncertain times, together.