Miss your mates? Online gatherings are here to save the day – ‘cos we all need to stay connected even if we’re social distancing!
Now that social gatherings are limited to two people and we’re advised to stay in (for a necessary cause!), we need all the virtual human interaction that we can get. Enter online gatherings – by way of video calls, social media and a smidge of creativity. Here are our favourite ideas…
Virtual sleepovers
(Facial) mask on, people. We’re not giving up our sleepovers just ‘cos of social distancing. If you’re missing your usual gatherings, book a slot in your besties’ Google cal for a virtual sleepover. Chill your vino, get those skincare masks ready and dress up in your comfiest loungewear for a wild night in.
Netflix watch parties
Trust Netflix to come up with a Google Chrome extension that lets us enjoy a movie together with our friends (or a date), even when we’re physically apart. We’re saying hell yes to plenty of watch parties in the months to come. And with the extensive list of flicks on Netflix, who says you’ll run out of things to do while being stuck at home?
Online book clubs
Love the written word? Join or start a book club of your own! Choose your books, (digitally) gather your friends and arrange a time to wax lyrical about your favourite pages. Add snacks to your online gaatherings for maximum chill. If you need some book list inspiration, we have a selection right here.
Group meditations
Is your racing mind due for a touch of zen? Hop into a group meditation sesh on Headspace if you’re a subscriber (there are free trials for the uninitiated!). Held at specific times with people all over the world, these mindful online gatherings will help give you a sense of community even if you’re physically alone.
Drink parties over video
Do Fridays feel like a drag without any social gatherings to look forward to? Say TGIF over a video call – the Houseparty app seems to be everyone’s current favourite for this! While you’re at it, go all out: mix your own cordials and suit up in your best outfits. It’ll lift you out of boredom, we promise.
Tiktok duets
We think Tiktok duets count as online gatherings for parties of two. Engage in a fitness challenge (virtually) side-by-side, dance up a sweat or create something hilarious – there are no rules.
Virtual game nights
Social distancing has got nothing on the folks who are holding wedding and graduation ceremonies on Animal Crossing. Though we’re decidedly less extreme and will stick to using the game for virtual island meet ups with our mates.
For an old school game night, look to Tabletop Simulator, which lets you play common tabletop and board games digitally; or Playing Cards for checkers and card game simulations – hurrah for technology!
Fancy a mobile game? You can’t go wrong with a good ol’ round of Mario Kart (available on the Apple and Google Play stores). Creative folks, go ahead and Draw Something for your friends to guess or test your wordsmith abilities on Words With Friends.
