According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are now fully vaccinated can go back to doing the things they used to do and enjoy before the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes visiting family and friends and interacting with them in person even without wearing a face mask or observing social distancing. After many months of isolating at home and not seeing loved ones, this is certainly terrific news, except, of course, for those who live in areas where strict health protocols are still being implemented.
Moreover, it is worth noting that not everyone can immediately return to socializing with others the way they did before the pandemic. For instance, those who are fully vaccinated but still live with underlying medical issues, or those who are taking medications that cause the weakening of the immune system, may still need to take additional precautions like wearing a neck face mask or staying at home. There are also people who may still feel anxious and overwhelmed with the idea of socializing with others in person again.
Whether you have a medical condition that makes you vulnerable to COVID-19, you’re experiencing social anxiety, or you’re choosing to remain isolated for the time being, you can rest at ease knowing that there are still plenty of other ways to stay connected with family and friends. From sending handwritten letters to hosting virtual get-togethers, here are several tips you may want to consider to keep in touch with the people you love in the new normal.
Send a Care Package
A care package is a box filled with carefully picked out items that shows your love for the receiver. Sending this thoughtful package is one of the most effective ways to connect with your family and friends in these uncertain times since you are not merely communicating your concern in words but through concrete action.
The content of the package does not have to be grand. The items could be simple but useful for the times, such as cloth face masks in various designs, bottles of hand sanitizers, fabric hand protectors, and multivitamins, which are essential items in the COVID-19 era. You may also include scented candles, aromatherapy oils, fidget toys, an adult coloring book, and other items that offer stress relief. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to assemble a care box. Just make sure to include the things that you know will be appreciated by the recipient.
Mail Handwritten Letters
Sending emails or text messages and posting affirming notes for your family members or friends on their social media accounts are standard practices today. Still, they can never compare to the impact of one handwritten letter. So, while you and your loved ones continue to chat and call each other regularly, why don’t you try writing them letters as well?
Tell your family and friends how you are doing and how much you miss spending time with them on paper. Although your letters cannot fully replace your physical presence, your handwritten notes could be a fitting substitute as they suggest a deeper connection between you and your loved ones. They are more personal and so your effort will be more appreciated.
Organize Virtual Family Gatherings
Thanks to video communication apps like Zoom and Skype, you can now host get-togethers with the people you love without having to go out of the house. Make sure to end invitations ahead of time and encourage everyone to participate. You can also decide on a theme or attire to make the event more exciting and fun.
Do not forget to prepare games and other activities that can be played online to keep everyone in good spirits during the party. You can also sing, dance, and go on a trip down memory lane by sharing old photos and stories. Take tons of screenshots and upload them on your chat group afterward for everyone to enjoy.
Watch Netflix Together
Do you miss watching movies with friends? If so, you may want to make use of Netflix Party, a free extension provided by Google Chrome that allows you and a group of friends or family to watch shows and movies at the same time. Schedule a movie date with as many people as you want, and choose a television series or film you want to see together.
Once you have set a date and time, you can send video links of trailers and teasers to everyone invited a few days before the watch party to increase anticipation and excitement. On the day itself, log in to your Netflix account, choose the title of the movie you want, and create the party URL that you can share with friends and family. Prepare popcorn and drinks, and do not forget to use the chat function. This way, you can talk about the film as it progresses, make jokes, or send GIFs and emojis.
Go on Virtual Tour Dates
Aside from virtual movie nights and gatherings, you can also organize online tours so you can visit remarkable places in the comfort of your home. Did you know that top museums, galleries, and historical sites now offer virtual tours? They do, and the majority of them are even free.
Invite your art lover friends to go to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam with you, or you can all go to Paris to see incredible paintings and sculptures at the Louvre, the world’s most-visited art museum. You can do this simply by visiting these museums’ official websites. You can also find virtual tours of the Great Wall of China, the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and many other famous places from all corners of the world. It will be impossible for you to run out of options!
Maintaining and strengthening relationships in the new normal can be challenging, but it is not at all impossible. All you need is commitment, creativity, and a strong desire to stay connected. Try the tips above and continue exploring available technology, services, and other means to show support, encouragement, and care to your family and friends, even if you don’t see each other face-to-face in these difficult times.
