Social distancing and staying home are important measures to help keep the number of COVID-19 cases as low as possible. However, at this point, even the most introverted among us are starting to feel a bit stir-crazy! During these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to reach out to friends and family and maintain the connections that keep our hearts full and our heads on straight. Check out these tips to learn how to stay in touch while social distancing.

How to Stay in Touch with Friends and Family During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Host a party. 

Technology is a double-edged sword, but right now, it’s definitely feeling like a lifesaver. There are more ways than ever to stay connected, including throwing a (virtual) party! 

Houseparty has been wildly popular during the pandemic, and for good reason. This app makes it easy and fun to hang out with friends and family, and unlike many of the other videoconferencing tools out there, it also includes fun games to get and keep everyone engaged. Whether you’re battling it out in trivia or playing the pictionary-esque drawing game, the app can help you forget about the news for a while and just enjoy each others’ company… even if it is virtual. 

Of course, Houseparty isn’t the only option when it comes to group hangouts; you can also host a movie night or watch your favorite shows with friends via one of the major streaming platforms. Netflix and Facebook have watch party features built right in, but there are other apps you can use to start watch parties on other platforms. Check out this guide to hosting a watch party, then pop up some popcorn and settle in for movie night with your favorite people. 

Send some snail mail.

Of course email, texting, and social media are great ways to keep in touch, but if you want to give someone an extra bit of sunshine in their day, why not go the old-fashioned route? Send a letter, a postcard, a care package, or a greeting card. Who doesn’t love opening their mailbox to find that there’s more than just bills and junk mail inside? 

If you have kids, get out the construction paper, markers, stickers, etc. and help them create cards to send to grandparents, classmates, teachers, or anyone your child is missing. These 40 homemade card ideas for kids are a good place to start!

Arrange playdates and hangouts for your kids, too.

Speaking of kids, don’t forget that they need some outside social interaction as well. These are some fun ways to keep them connected, or for you to connect with your own nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. 

• FaceTime story time: Enlist family members, neighbors, and friends to read a book to your child remotely. 
• Virtual playdates: Use a platform like Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, or Houseparty to host an online playdate for your kids and their friends. They can play charades, sing along to their favorite music, bake together from the same recipe, play dress up or fashion show, or even have a “dance off” with each person choosing a song and demonstrating their coolest moves. 

Once this is over, it will feel even more special to gather with friends for parties and group events, but in the meantime, we hope these ideas help you stay connected with the ones you love!