It’s June, and we are a few weeks into Phase 2 (Heightened Alert). Thankfully, the restrictions might be eased if cases go down! But since we are still on Heightened Alert for now, what do we do when we want to spend time with our friends?
For those of us looking for things to do which don’t include Zoom-ing all the time, I’ve compiled some suggestions for other fun things you can do online to spend time with your friends and loved ones.
#1 Watch Things Together
For those that miss hanging out with friends and marathoning shows together, this is the perfect solution for you! Watching shows and movies with your friends is a relaxing and low-effort way to stay connected while apart! There are many websites that allow you to watch shows and movies with your friends in the comfort of your own homes. Here are my personal favourite websites and applications for this:
- Kosmi, Watch2gether, Tutturu.tv
These 3 websites are all free and easy to use! Just create a room, invite your friends using a link, and stream whatever you want. You can even discuss while you watch through the chatrooms.
- Netflix Party / Teleparty
This option is also free, but it does require everyone watching to have a subscription to the streaming service you want to watch together. For example, if you’re going to watch a show on Netflix, you and all your friends will need to have a Netflix account.
Discord is a popular voice-chat program to facilitate voice calling while playing video games. You can download it on basically any device you own and create servers for different friend groups. It’s a pretty good alternative to Zoom too for those of us who don’t like video calls.
This option is a little harder since you need a Discord account and more knowledge as to how the application works. Here’s a link to an article that might help: How to use Discord to game and watch movies with friends!
#2 Play Games Together
If you’re looking for something more interactive or exciting, you can try playing games online. Here are my personal favourites:
- Jackbox is a virtual party-game creator known for games such as Quiplash. If you or one of your friends buy their games, you can all play together. Remote playing is made possible through video conference calls where the host shares their screen. You can do this through Zoom, or Discord!
- Plato is a mobile application and a free alternative to Jackbox games. A friend introduced me to this app last year and I’ve had so much fun playing virtually with my friends; I love destroying them at Mini-golf and Go Fish! without even needing to see them face-to-face.
- Role-playing games (RPGs) like Genshin Impact have gotten very popular these days; Not only do they have a host of fun characters to play with, they also allow for co-op games where you can play together and fight monsters with your friends!
- Another game where you can replicate the experience of being with your friends is a mobile game called Sky: Children of the Light. I have been playing this game since last May, and I have nothing but praise. Not only is it beautifully designed, it is also relaxing to play. Just check it out for yourself! It is free to play, and can be downloaded on the App Store or Google Play!
- If none of the above interests you, what about the classic tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons? A lot of us aren’t new to it. This is a game where you can create a whole new person or creature to roleplay as, and go on adventures with your friends. All you need is your imagination and some dice! And now, you can even play it virtually!
#3 Exercise Together Through Video Calls
For those of us who like to stay fit, or want some motivation to keep exercising, why don’t you exercise together with your friends?
During last year’s Circuit Breaker, one of the ways I found to occupy myself was to watch exercise videos and follow along with my friends. Whether we video-called or just texted while we did it, it felt very social and helped me stay connected while having fun.
And it doesn’t have to be extreme exercises and work-outs either. There are exercises for any level of intensity; I personally liked to watch home-walking exercise videos and follow them just to keep my blood pumping.
I know I’m not the only one who was stressed out about the intensified restrictions. Staying home all day and being isolated from our friends and loved ones is for our own safety, but it doesn’t mean we should pull away from our friends completely. Hopefully some of these suggestions help you and your friends stay bonded through this isolating time!
This article was brought to you by Su Thet Hnin San. Aside from social activism and current affairs, she also enjoys ice skating, watching Netflix shows, and playing video games.
