Easy and Authentic Ways to Connect Online with Loved Ones
Finding easy and authentic ways to connect online with family and friends helps provide a sense of community and feel loved and cared for, even when you are in a different city, country, or continent.
Dear Spirited Earthling,
Technology is an integral part of everyday life. And while there is a time for digital detoxes or limiting time on your phone, there is also a time for wise technology use. One of the best uses of technology is connecting with loved ones. Virtual bonding helps maintain a sense of community and togetherness, even when far away. Human connection is essential for good mental health and can be even more important when you’ve moved to a new city or country and haven’t found a local community yet. You are making memories together with the convenience of being at home. Have fun with different friends in different ways using these ideas to virtually bond with loved ones.
Easy and Authentic Ways to Connect Online
These ideas for virtual bonding can help you connect with family and friends or friendship groups with different interests. Here are easy and authentic ways to connect with loved ones online:
1. Virtual Game Nights
You can use platforms like Zoom, Skype, and dedicated gaming platforms to play together.
Get the same board games, choose one, and play together (with all sides moving all pieces on their boards)
Play multiplayer games online and conquer quests together
Play online games like Scrabble and chess
You can have the same food and drinks while playing so it feels more like you're in the same room.
2. Virtual Movie Nights
You can use the streaming services that offer viewing parties so that different households can watch the same movie or series together, or you can simply press play at the same time. You can also watch the same show on cable TV. Have video calls to share reactions and commentary while watching.
You can make this virtual bonding as fun (popcorn and chocolate) or as cosy (tea and biscuits) as the mood calls for.
3. Virtual Book Club
Choose a book for the month and set a date to connect online to discuss your thoughts and opinions. You can make it a themed event by choosing books that are set in a specific location or deal with a particular topic.
This virtual bonding idea not only holds you accountable to your reading goals but also creates a shared experience of intellectually stimulating conversation and opens the conversation to interesting personal anecdotes.
4. Cooking / Baking Party
Have culinary adventures together by picking a recipe and cooking or baking together while video chatting. You can choose dishes from different countries and tell each other previously researched facts about the place. You can share recipes from each of your cultures.
This virtual bonding idea opens your mind and heart as you share laughs and cooking tips.
5. Workout Session
Having an accountability buddy helps achieve any goal. Have virtual workout sessions to encourage and maintain a healthy lifestyle for yourself and your loved ones. Do an online yoga or dance class together. Have the same fitness app and do the same workout.
See this virtual bonding as a way you can stay healthy and happy together and provide motivation and support when you need it.
6. Virtual Performance Night
Watch concerts and theatre performances that are available on streaming platforms or streamed live.
7. Learning Sessions
Take online courses or workshops together and discuss what you’re learning. Doing this with a friend or friends can motivate you to learn and try new things when feeling supported and accountable.
8. Plan Travels
Choose a city or country and either research it first and share your findings (tips, tours, interests) over a call or research it together while chatting.
9. Virtual Travel
Watch your favourite travel documentaries, travel-themed movies, or movies set in places you want to travel. You can also do virtual tours of museums at the same time and talk about your thoughts and opinions.
10. Simple Scheduled Check-in
Your virtual bonding can also be as basic as reserving a day and time each week (e.g., Wednesday lunchtime) or month (e.g., last Thursday of the month) to call and catch up. It can be while you're having lunch, dinner, folding laundry, or simply enjoying a cup of tea together.
From virtual games and movie nights to cooking parties and workout sessions, have fun with this. Staying connected and nurturing meaningful connections is important and should be a priority. With a little creativity, you can stay connected no matter where you are.
Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to the world. Written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life, this blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.
As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living.
Thank you for being part of this community.
Best wishes, warmest regards
Jordan
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