We’ve been talking this week about increasing our social circle and improving our relationships. Having a strong connection to others helps to keep us healthy. However, with many people these days living far from family and friends, it can be hard to stay in touch. However, being far does not imply that the closeness or the bond between individuals cannot develop or strengthen. These days, technology allows us many ways to stay in touch with loved ones no matter where they live.
Here are four ways to stay connected.
Email.
Almost all of us have email accounts these days and they are a great day to keep in touch regularly with family and friends. Not only are they easy and free to send, but the messages arrive to your loved ones almost instantly, making it simple to have an ongoing dialogue. We’ve heard of some families who make it a point of e-mailing every day, just to check in and let each other know how they are all doing and what is happening in their lives.
Social Media.
Social media can be a great tool to keep in touch loved ones. With a quick upload or status update, you can let everyone know, and see pictures or videos, about what’s happening in your live. It’s one of the easiest way to keep in touch with larger groups too, since you’re able to let everyone in your circle know what you’re up to at once.
Texting & Texting Apps.
As long as you have a phone and/or internet connection, you can communicate in real time with people anywhere in the world via text, or other messaging apps. Apps such as Whatsapp allow you to create groups to communicate with too, making it easier to have conversations with many people at once, no matter where they live.
Skype.
Sometimes, nothing beats a face to face interaction. Luckily there is Skype. Skype allows you to talk live with others online, and through video, with anyone in the world, no matter where you live. It’s the perfect fix when you really just need to see that special someone you’re missing.
While all of these tools are great to use, we know that it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day demands of life, making it hard to stay in touch. Our best tip? Start a ritual and stick to it. Send your family member a quick email regularly just to check in and let them know about your day. Set up a weekly Skype date with your pals and chat while you’re all eating breakfast together. Get all of your siblings to sign up to WhatsApp and start an ongoing conversation chain. These efforts are what will really make you feel connected – no matter where you live.
