Social distancing poses many challenges, but keeping in touch with friends and family doesn't have to be one of them. Here are some ways technology makes it possible.
With the world on lockdown, everyone is turning to the virtual world to #stayconnected. Thanks to technology in its many avatars - video chats, group texting, virtual reality etc. - keeping yourself engaged and staying connected with family and friends is no biggie.
Video conferencing apps aren’t limited to business calls anymore. In fact, recent reports claim that one in three Americans catch up with family and friends over video chats at least once a week!
And with the numerous video conferencing options out there - Zoom, Skype, Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts etc - what better way to stay in touch with your loved ones? If you're using video conferencing as a special event stand-in, add a sense of formality by sending out an e-vite specifying the time and dress-code. Encourage attendees to bring props or use the simulated backgrounds that some systems provide. If the event is a surprise, be sure to have the VIP show up 15 minutes AFTER the scheduled time to allow attendees to trickle in.
Conversation going stale on video call?
No worries. Just switch to the more interactive ones that allow you to play fun games and use voice filters etc. while chatting with your friends. Houseparty is one such app that lets you play games such as Trivia, Charades and Heads Up with your friends and family.
If you don’t want the hassle of installing yet another video conferencing app, then just get creative with the one you already use. Here is a list of games you can play with your group over a video call:
Games and conversation are a great way for you and your family to connect over video calls. But why limit your interactions to just that? Join an online yoga class or follow one of those Sweaty Betty workout routines as a group to get in shape together!
Whether you use Whatsapp, Viber or Signal to stay in touch with your loved ones, you can always do so much more on these texting apps. Here are some of the popular texting games you can play to beat boredom.
Here’s one for you:
🤴 💍 ⛰ (Lord of the rings)
Here’s one for you:
How many films did Sean Connery play James Bond in? Answer: 7
Binge watching shows on Netflix is always an option when you are stuck at home. But if you want to shake things up a little, why not go on a tour to your favorite museum? Sounds like terrible advice? Not really. Many popular museums around the world are now using Virtual Reality to offer a virtual tour of the museum and their exhibits.
During these distressing times, it is important to take a break from the constant COVID-19 updates. And what better way than to escape into the world of literature? Pick a spot, grab a book, and sip on some hot jasmine tea and you are all set for a couple of hours (at least).
And why stop there? Start an online book club and add those in your group who love talking books. Alternatively, you could look for online book clubs that are currently discussing works by your favorite author and join in.
As author Robert Mafarlane says, “literature has always done such an extraordinary job of provoking community and conversation - it’s no surprise to me that it should be doing so, so powerfully now.”
Here are a few popular online book clubs for those of who are interested:
Staying away from your family and friends for an extended period is challenging. But thanks to technology (and a stable internet connection) you can always be within reach. Just make sure you set aside some tech-free time on a daily basis to avoid tech addiction during these testing times. For tips on how to inculcate good tech habits, check out our blog on How to do a Digital Detox (the right way).