In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, we are living in a time we never thought could possibly happen in the modern world. For now, we are being urged to slow down our lives as our health and the health of others comes first and foremost.
But just because life as we know it has been put on pause, it doesn’t mean we have to come to a complete halt. It just requires a creative solution.
Yes, there are lots of question marks.
Yes, we need to create space and stay at home.
Yes, we need to take necessary precautions to ensure one’s physical health is in top shape.
But let’s not forget the importance of behavioral health too.
Humans are social creatures. Even in the midst of a pandemic, we have the ability to still maintain a constant connection with the people who mean the most to us using technology.
If you’re feeling sad, angry, lonely, isolated, anxious, concerned, worried, bored, it’s important to reach out and say something.
Let’s Talk About “Remote Socializing”
Via video chat, conference calling, and text chat, remote socializing provides a link to other people outside of isolation. You can chat with colleagues. Check-in on friends. Connect with loved ones.
Try virtually sending photos and videos. Share documents. Leave each other audio recordings – all using group communications technology that helps bridge the gap while keeping you and your family safe.
What Does Remote Socializing Look Like?
Here are 4 ideas to help make staying at home a little more social and a little less heavy:
4. Plan A Video Chat Lunch Or Dinner Date
If you’re working from home, schedule an actual lunch break (grazing doesn’t count!) and switch up the location of where you do your work – even if that means only moving a few feet away from your device.
A shared meal by means of a video chat date provides an outlet for social interaction.
Go go on virtual lunch with a colleague or a friend, rather than resorting to eating in front of the TV. This is an opportunity to chat and catch up about work or discuss personal matters. A virtual date can also take place with coffee, dinner, a favorite beverage or just a chat.
Other ideas:
- Start a group chat with friends
- Schedule an online meeting with colleagues
- Host a virtual family reunion
- Use invitations and reminders for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
3. Reach Out To Someone You Haven’t Spoken To In A While
Chances are, your schedule is a little bit more free than usual. This is the perfect time to connect with someone overseas or in a different time zone (or next door!). Heart-to-hearts can happen long distance, and with toll-free dial numbers, you don’t have to pay an arm and leg to have a meaningful conversation.
Revisit people you haven’t spoken to in a while. It’s always nice to see the name of an old friend pop up on your phone or video chat with a long lost cousin.
2. It’s The Little “Pings” That Make A Difference
Blocking off an hour to talk with someone helps alleviate loneliness, especially for those who are extra vulnerable.
Remote socializing with an older relative in a nursing home, for example, is especially important in times like these, however, don’t underestimate the power of quick messages.
Send a “Hi, thinking of you!” via text chat; fire off a meme or joke; leave a voice memo, take a cute video… Sharing what you’re doing in your day-to-day life makes others feel like they are right there with you and vice versa.
If you are able to carve out a chunk of time, flip open your laptop or set up your mobile device and get chatting. It can be a really comforting idea to just leave your video browser open while you do chores around the house and cook dinner – it’s almost like there’s someone there with you.
Help remind your loved ones that they aren’t forgotten with a lighthearted message.
1. Switch It Up As Much As Possible
Being in the same space doesn’t have to be monotonous. Change up some of the furniture you’ve been meaning to move. Hang art on different walls, and try tidying up stacks of books by your bedside or on the shelf.
This is especially inspiring when you’re video chatting. Think of the video screen as a window into your space. Every time you chat with someone, you are giving them something new to see, to experience. Make it fun by dressing up, adjusting the lighting, sitting on the stairs, at the table, by the window sill.
In recognition of the pandemic, everyone is currently experiencing, instead of completely shutting out the world, consider how FreeConference.com is the tool you need to face it.
With free, easy-to-use technology that comes with free features like free video conferencing, free conference calling, free screen sharing, and more, you don’t have to feel left out. Feel supported and stay in contact with the people you care about.
