Staying in touch with loved ones is never easy, but it feels even more challenging in this age of social distancing. Many people are having a really hard time feeling so isolated from friends and family. While staying apart is what is best for everyone’s health and safety, it definitely can take an emotional toll on a person. However, just because you can’t see someone in person, it doesn’t mean you still can provide them with love and support from afar.
Send a Virtual Card
A virtual card is a great way to let a loved one know that they’re on your mind. They’ll be thrilled to receive a personalized note from you and know that you spent the time to choose a card to send. You can send a virtual card for any occasion, from birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and more.
A virtual card is also a great choice if someone you care about is recovering from being sick. Send a virtual get well card as a gesture of love and support. You’d normally take time to visit a recuperating friend or family in the hospital or at home, but that isn’t an option right now, so send them a virtual card to let them know you’re thinking about them and wishing for a speedy recovery.
Talk on the Phone
Conversation is good for the soul. Before the age of social distancing, you likely hung out with friends in a variety of locations-restaurants, the soccer field, the break room at the office, one another’s house, and more. Chatting with someone helps you feel better about everything going on in your life and lets you know that someone else cares about you.
While we can’t have these conversations in person right now, it is still possible to talk with our friends. Take some time out of your day and call one of your friends and family members. Have a nice conversation on the phone together and check-in to see how they are holding up. Give them the opportunity to share their frustrations, concerns, and just feel that someone is there to listen to them. You’ll likely benefit from this interaction as well.
Hangout Virtually
Talking on the phone isn’t your only option to connecting with others in your life who aren’t under the same roof as you. Technology also provides us the option of being able to talk online and see each other’s faces. There are many video chat platforms that will let you connect with a friend or even a group of friends. Try to set up weekly video calls with the people you miss seeing and talking to in person. Assembling a group of friends over video chat can help give you a taste of normalcy during these crazy times.
Order Grocery or Meal Delivery
Everyone is stressed with what is going on right now. Whether it is financial stress, emotional stress, or both, taking something off of a friend or family member’s plate by ordering a meal or grocery delivery would be a huge help. Chat with your loved one to see what they need and the types of food they enjoy, and place an order. They’ll definitely feel the love when they have one less thing to worry about that day.
Send a Gift
Ordering a small gift to be delivered (or dropping it off on someone’s porch yourself), is also a way you can show support for friends and family during these challenging times. If there is a particular activity or craft your friend enjoys, you could send something related to that. Other items you could consider sending include flowers, snacks, books, gifts for the kids, or restaurant gift cards.
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