If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has helped us realize, it's the meaning of friendship. The days of meeting up for an informal drink or planning a weekend getaway happen to be placed on pause. Moreover, this has been going on for months without a clear end in sight. Consequently, striving to stay connected with friends during this period is more critical than ever.
But, how must we maintain closeness to the friends while staying apart? Zoom or other free video chat platforms, of course! Here are five ways to utilize these platforms for connecting with your friends, all while keeping a safe distance.
1. Sip and Paint Night
A local painting studio by me did this in early stages in the pandemic: They picked a night, chose a painting to create, coupled with a virtual sip and paint! Participants purchased the types of materials in advance and the studio mailed them out. On the night of the sip and paint, participants logged in and, similar to being at the studio, enjoyed their most favorite beverage and attempted the painting.
You have no need for an art studio to make this happen, either. Organize one of these simple for your friend group by selecting a night, sending out supplies in advance, choosing a painting, then getting on Zoom for some artwork and drinks.
2. Book Club
Pick a magazine to read and a day to satisfy, then set up a meeting via a video chat platform. Discuss it as you would if you were hosting an in-person book club. Having a day where everyone comes and meets up helps you to get through a crazy work week! What's more, it's an excuse to sit down and enjoy a book during the week leading up to the book club.
3. Photo Scavenger Hunt
My photo club set up one of these when the stay-at-home orders were first put in place. We started with the alphabet-each day, we had to photograph something using the given letter. Then we transitioned into harder challenges, for example shooting something in your home that starts with your name’s first letter or finding an item that combines two given colors.
You can perform the same with your friends. Set up a weekly or biweekly Zoom meeting, then give everyone their assignment for every week. During the video call, you are able to go around the group and have everyone share their photo.
4. Baking or Cooking
Being at home lets you try out new recipes that you might otherwise not have time to do. So why not incorporate your friends into the activity? Decide on a recipe and attempt to bake it together via a video chat platform. Once it's done, enjoy it as a group and discuss your thoughts.
5. Watch Party
Facebook is suitable for this! Create a group and determine which video or movie your group wants to watch. You watch the video in realtime and may leave comments as you watch.
No matter what you choose to do, just remember always to remain connected. Don't let the COVID-19 pandemic lead you to abandon your friends. What's your favorite way to stay close with friends during this time? Let us know in the comments!
