This pandemic is getting soooo long, but there are definitely some ways that you can spend time with friends/family online during this season of life. Being creative can be difficult right now, I know, but maybe trying some of these ideas might help you connect with others. Having fun and laughing can be so therapeutic, release those endorphins, and put you in a a better mood. Here are my top 8 ways to spend time online with each other:
1. Have a Scavenger Hunt. Everyone has the same list but you can’t look at it until it is time. Then you have to fulfill the items by finding them in your house and bringing them all to the computer to show each other. It’s fun if you do things like “something blue”, “something soft”, etc. and that way you can show each other the different things you brought. Afterwards, have some ice cream or something fun to enjoy with each other online.
2. Play a game online. Adults can do this once the kids are in bed and play a board game of their choice together. Each of you has the board and then you each take turns just like normal. For kids, it can be something like Candyland, Life, or any other game that would work. There are also numerous online games you can all play together as well. Charades and Would You Rather can be fun!
3. Have a Netflix Party and watch a movie together. Make some popcorn, snuggle up, and enjoy watching a movie together. Just knowing your friends are there can bring comfort. There are many things you can watch together and have a fun time doing it.
4. Have dinner together via Zoom. Maybe plan the same meal and enjoy it together at your individual houses. It is like sitting around the dinner table, talking and laughing. Have some fun questions for each other and get to know one another better. We are all missing being with friends and family, and this can be a way that we reconnect. Consider having a family meal once a week with family members outside of your household, or dinner with friends.
5. Go on a virtual tour together. There are so many museums that are offering online resources to do this. Why not each of you pick one and then share your screen and tour them. It can be a nice way to talk about something other than the stress of what is going on in the world.
6. Start a book club. This can be for kids or adults. Find a book that is interesting to most everyone in the group, or have each person choose a book and then draw numbers for the order they will go in. Discussing books and sharing each others’ point of view can really help you grow as a person, and cause you to think of different perspectives.
7. Cook something new together or a recipe you’ve all wanted to try. Food really provides comfort and involves sharing our lives with others. This can be a fun activity to try. It doesn’t have to be intense or grand. It just needs to be fun!
8. Sing together. Find a karaoke app and have fun together. Everyone can join in the fun, and the laughter will be just what you need! The spontaneity can be such a nice distraction right now.
What your favorite things are that you have been doing? Feel free to share below!
