The nights are drawing in, the weather is getting colder, and suddenly the great outdoors doesn’t seem nearly as appealing. If you’re looking for ways to keep connected during lockdown without having to leave your home, we’ve got you covered.
Get everyone online
Before you start planning your fun web-based hangouts, have you checked whether everyone you care about can get online? If you have an elderly relative or friend that doesn’t have an internet connection, there’s never been a better incentive to get them connected. Tablets have the edge over a smartphone or a laptop, and are a great way to ease your friends and family into tech. We’ve written an article outlining how best to help and support people getting online.
Try a quick video call
If you’re in a lengthy text conversation with mum, or you’re discussing the plot of Stranger Things with your friend over a messaging app, consider having a quick video call. Research suggests that having talking via video call result in a lower risk of depression than those who went without. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of seasonal depression that often worsens during the winter months, and as such it is even more important for people to stay connected. Turn down the text, and try a video call instead.
Get gaming
Last month, the indie game Among Us was making big waves. You play as either a crewmate or an imposter on a spaceship, and have to fix the ship or murder everyone before you’re discovered. There are loads of different indie games that you can pick up cheaply on Steam, and it is a great way of staying connected with people in your life. It’s not all about secretly murdering your friends either; if you’re after something a little different, check out our article on games that you can play with friends remotely.
Binge watch a show
There are a ton of great applications that allow you to watch shows remotely with your friends. Kast is our pick of the bunch; you can share films, television shows, games and anything else that you can get on your laptop. You can also watch with 100 people, and everyone can share their screen at once. It’s a great way of having a movie night whilst still chatting all the way through. Just download the desktop app to get started.
Try something new
It might seem like the world is on pause, but there are still great activities and events that you can get involved with online. Dance City is now running online and in person classes, so you can learn to tango from your living room. If improv is more your thing, The Suggestibles have moved all of their classes online. Insights is running virtual lectures on topics such as history, psychology and current affairs. If you’re tired of Netflix and you’re looking for something else to do with a friend, see what events are on. It’s the perfect time to try something new.
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