Virtual Activities to Stay Connected During Lockdown

The Covid-19 pandemic brought uncertainties to all of us. We do not know when this pandemic will be over or how it will end.

Now, I ask you, how do you feel? Is everything alright for you?

One thing is for sure, going through this crisis is not easy. We all have our battles to fight. Being away from our family and not earning during this pandemic are struggles that we hadn’t prepared for, and some has fear that we will go back to day one of pandemic.

Pandemic is prolonging an agony, these days of working from home, and considering the protocols restricted our movements. Being confined in one place is enough to keep anyone feels lonely and sad, and it boils down to a question of how one can keep connected while adhering to safety guidelines. Just because you’re confined and isolated in one place doesn’t mean you need to cut yourself off from your family and friends. Being connected to other people is suitable for all of us, especially these trying times.

In line with this, here are ideas of how we can stay connected during this lockdown through these virtual activities:

Maximize the technology

Call to connect with your family or friends, perhaps reminisce with that friend you have not spoken to in years. The separation brings home the value of our daily interactions. You will never know that a call might make someone else’s day as well as your own, so keep reaching people through our hassle-free and convenient communication applications.

Social media

Although, social media has been about the dangers it brings for some behind the façade of the online world through our gadgets, a little bit can go a long way. Because of the evolving technology, we are fortunate to live in a digitally connected world where everything is possible: communication is now convenient.

For example, checking up your friend who lives 1000 miles away from your location or even sharing a funny meme are all possible through social media platforms. From Facebook to Instagram to Skype, plenty of options are available to stay connected to the online world. Keep in mind that you can filter everything. You get to decide who and what goes on your feed. We could also use professional and freelancing social media platforms to learn new skills.

Join an interactive online discussion group

Joining an online group with people with whom you have the same interests or passions, where you can hang out with them online, send messages that can help you stay connected at any time. You can even create a group for your family, your colleagues, or your friends, and your group can discuss anything and everything under the sun, or you might want to have a focus discussion, like an online book club or gardening discussion group.

Finish an online course or learn something new

If there is something that we all should celebrate during this global crisis, we still have more time. More time to read, more time to write, more time to learn. You can go search on the web. There are lots of online courses you can take that are up for free! You can even learn a new language or even a new skill. In one way or another, online courses are excellent means of connecting to other people, and in such cases, with the same wavelengths. In addition, lots of information are now readily available on the web. Say you wanted to invest your money in stocks, you can learn through YouTube, or if you wanted to invest in house and lot, there are lots of details you can find online.

Host an online movie party

Who said you need to be in a cinema to enjoy a film? And since it’s not possible during this season, who says you need to be in the same room with someone to enjoy a movie? You might not be able to do that with your best friend or family. Technology has already addressed this, and there has never been a better time to take advantage of the technology is giving us. Netflix has introduced Netflix Party, allowing users to link up with friends and host long-distance movie nights.

Try some indoor exercise

If you want to get a bit of activity from the comfort of your home, try some indoor exercise practices. You can do it on your balcony before the sun rises or the sunsets. There are lots of free fitness trainers online that can help you with your indoor exercise. Aside from exercise, you can practice mindfulness and meditation. There are numerous apps online that offer loads of guided meditations. Keep in mind that your wellbeing is always the most important thing to take care of, particularly at times like this, and nothing is wrong if you’re prioritizing yourself. Take care of yourself and just keep exploring things until you find the most suitable and fits within your new normal life style.

Make a Spotify playlist together

Connecting with friends doesn’t automatically that you get to go out with them. Connecting can also be through shared music. Do you happen to have a song that you can’t get out of your head? Did your favorite singer or band release a new album that you can’t wait to share with your friend? Take advantage of Spotify’s collaborative playlist feature. Through this feature, you and your friends can add and listen to all of your favorite songs anytime, anywhere.

Keep a routine

While many of us are on a work-from-home setup or not working at all, some ground rules and structure can help. If you usually have to wake up at 6 am and have your morning coffee at 7 am, keep doing so. After having your breakfast, you typically have your morning workout. If you’re used to doing house chores on a specific day or time, keep doing it. If you’re used to binge-watch a series before going to sleep, do that too. If you usually hang out with a friend for a dinner date on a Friday night, keep it in your schedule. However, have it through face time instead.

On the other hand, I know it is hard for some to keep a routine during these trying times, especially if you are working from home when your stuff is all around your place. Organizing your things at home can be helpful because it can add efficiency and productivity. And speaking of which, if you are interested in organizing your stuff at home, specifically your kitchen, you can check and browse in the internet for different kitchen makeovers. These things may seem small, but a “normal” routine can help to ground us in times of isolation.

Doing things alone doesn’t have to be lonely. When this pandemic is finally over, bear in mind what you have learned about being okay to prioritize yourself, your wellbeing, your mental health, and the value of your relationships with other people. Keep things simple continuously and be humble, keep communicating, and keep making the time to prioritize the relationships that make you feel great. At the end of the day, it is for our good and the greater good.

Lastly, spread the message of hope during these challenging times. Showing kindness to people is a big help, and may create a better community. Let us stay safe, well-informed, and positive all the time!