The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard for everyone. But if there is one positive that we should all be focused on, it’s that we are better equipped to deal with each of the troubles it has presented than ever before. Staying together, while physically apart, has never been easier than it is today.
We’re talking, of course, about the technology that we can use to stay in touch with friends, family and loved ones. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways you can use technology to stay in touch with those you want to keep close, or even meet new people!
Share and Connect on Social Media
This first one is the clear front-runner. If you aren’t already using any social media platforms, now is as good a time as any to jump in! Platforms like Instagram and Facebook can be a great way to connect with family and friends. They give you a chance to show what is going on in your world and gain some insight into what is going on in the worlds of those around you.
You don’t suddenly have to become super witty and you don’t have to be a great photographer. In fact, most people on social media don’t have any of that sorted. The true pleasure of social media is just being able to reach out and stay in touch with those you know. As always though, just be weary of how much you take in. Social media is great for making connections, but it is also somewhere that false or misleading information can spread easily.
Make Video Calls a Part of the Routine
Video conferencing is not a particularly new idea, but it has seen a boom in popularity over the course of this year. Popular video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype and the video call feature in Facebook Messenger have all become much more widely used with the advent of social distancing measures.
Those with friends, family and loved ones in far off places will have been able to tell you years ago that a video call is a great way to stay in touch. We encourage you to reach out to those around you and set up a catch up via a video call.
Engage in Some Friendly Competition
A chat is great, but it isn’t always what we’re after. Sometimes it’s a little bit of a friendly rivalry that we want – and online games are a great way to get just that! Armed with a tablet or smartphone, you’ll find that there are literally hundreds of games to choose from that you can play remotely with friends and family.
Games like ‘Words with Friends’ let you play an online form of Scrabble. You can find online versions of Checkers or Chess. You could even push yourself to learn how to play Bridge! Depending on what game you choose, you’ll find that you can play online against friends, family and even strangers! Plenty of games will also let you play against the computer if you want to practice a bit first.
Get in Touch
Life right now isn’t what any of us had planned for ourselves at the start of this year. It’s hard and it can be lonely at times. But that just makes finding ways to stay in touch and connected all the more important. If you’ve arrived here looking for inspiration, we hope we’ve got the ball rolling for you.
Stay safe, don’t be afraid to reach out, and keep coming back here for articles and updates from Centennial Living and the community at Taylors Hill Village. To find out more about life with Centennial Living, reach out to our team by calling 1300 098 000 or filling out a contact form today.
