Missing friends and family? There are lots of ways to keep in touch with the people you love. We’ve shared some of our ideas below, all of which are fantastic for staving off boredom and staying connected. They might even inspire you to reconnect with long-lost or faraway friends!
Virtual get-togethers
With video calls, you can plan get-togethers just like you would in real life. Suggest drinks with your best friends, pour yourself a glass of something delicious and catch up on screen. Or, invite your family for an online Sunday lunch, whip up a lovely dinner then host a group call. You could even jointly plan a menu so that everyone shares the same meal!
You should already have everything you need on your phone to start making video calls. If you have an iPad or iPhone try FaceTime, and if you have a Gmail account you can use Google Hangouts. Already using Facebook? You can make video calls to your Facebook friends via Facebook Messenger.
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Back to basics
Nothing feels so personal, or so thoughtful, as a handwritten letter. While there are quicker ways to stay in regular contact with friends and family, it’s a fun and relaxing activity to while away a couple of hours (and it’s also an excuse to treat yourself to some pretty new stationery).
Writing letters will keep grandchildren busy too and, if they’re quite young, it’s an opportunity for them to practice their handwriting. Challenge them to draw you a picture or write about their day, then send it to you in the post when they next go out for a walk. A few months from now, you’ll have a lovely stack of letters to leaf through whenever you need them most.
Fill your phone call diary
With lunches, coffee dates, shopping trips and birthday parties all on hold for now, our social calendars look somewhat empty. Fill the spaces with phone calls instead. Rather than calling people out of the blue – or waiting for them to ring you – schedule phone dates with anyone and everyone. Save Sundays for calls over coffee with your reading group; make Friday nights the time to catch up with girlfriends; choose Tuesdays for checking in with family. Your days will soon be full of chatter and laughter, and you’ll always have something to look forward to.
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Start snapping!
None of us want to spend hours on our mobile phones. But the fact is, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are a really quick, easy, and free way to chat to friends and family.
The best part? Apps like these are brilliant for sending pictures. Sending a few snaps a day will really help you to feel like you’re sharing day to day life with others, whether you’re posting a picture of your dog basking in the sun, or commenting on a shot of your grandchildren’s schoolwork. While you can’t see loved ones in person, this really is the next best thing.
How are you keeping in touch with friends and family? If you have any ideas to share, send them to us on Facebook. Or, if you could use a little company, call our team for a chat on 01773 83 6000.