Regardless of whether you are more introvert or extrovert, we as humans, crave social interaction. Coronavirus quarantine has curbed our ability to cater to that need and, let’s be honest, it has everyone a little stir-crazy.
Our generation are in a unique position however, to invent new ways in which we socialise and be together, while we are apart. With combination of technology & creativity we can weather the storm – nurturing friendships, relationships and our mental well-being in the process.
Here are 5 ways you can do just that:
Just like your ‘gym-buddy’ or perhaps someone you go to a yoga class with, a virtual accountabilibuddy is someone with whom you have a mutually beneficial agreement, a social contract, if you will, to commit to being active together. Make a commitment, to each other ( via whatsapp), to do any one of the online classes now being offered across social media, in particular, Instagram Live. There are so many out there from intense HIT, to super zen yoga sessions. Pick your buddy, pick your session, commit to keeping each other on track.
Coffee-catch-ups has a ring to it, but the choice of beverage is yours. Here I will introduce you to the app Houseparty – an app that admittedly is perfect for any and all of the remaining suggestions in this post so I would highly recommend downloading.
¦ Houseparty is a “face to face, social network” and can be downloaded on iOS | Android | Mac | Chrome. You can have up to eight people ‘in the house’ at any one time https://houseparty.com/¦
Just like any face-to-face coffee catch-up with friend(s), a time needs to be agreed upon and a commitment to be there needs to be made. Only difference ‘there’ is your own home, with your home made brew, logged into the Houseparty app – might feel odd at first, but 2 minutes in and it will be like you’re at your local meet-up just like the good ole days (3 weeks ago). Side Note -keeping the chat as positive as possible, so it is an escape from the real world, even just for a little while is key.
Agree on a day you are all free to create the same meal; breakfast, lunch, dinner or a baked good of your choosing. Assign a judge and the winner will be chosen based on best presentation & photograph of the final product (obviously it can’t be based on taste – perhaps one day … humm).
This one can be accomplished via whatsapp, no need to video call, but having said that – if you want to create simultaneously & chat while you create then go for it!
Whether you have games nights with friends generally, is irrelevant. During these testing times, a games night is the perfect antidote to lift the spirts and have some fun. Houseparty has a built-in games section which includes; Heads-Up, Chips & Guac, Trivia & Quick Draw, that you can play with up to 8 people in your ‘house’. But don’t stop there. There are loads on online quiz generators that you can personalise and make relevant to you and your friends https://kahoot.com/home/mobile-app/ is my fav personally.
There are two ways this can be done, one requires a little more commitment but both will give you a feeling of connection and feeling less, well, alone. https://www.netflixparty.com/ . Netflix Party is a new, free, Chrome extension that allows you to stream together. You need a laptop or ipad for this one. The extension synchronizes video playback and adds group chat.
Here how to do it:
Alternatively, you can all just agree to watch the same show/ movie at the same time and chat about it on Whatsapp – albeit, it is harder to make people commit this way. A movie night or a series that you all watch together (keeps that connection for longer). I definitely recommend doing this.
Hope this post has inspired you to connect with those who, I have no doubt, are feeling as disconnected and as lost as you might be right now. I encourage you to be the creative director in your own social circles and connect with those with whom you feel apart.
Any suggests we can add to the list? Comment below.