Nearly 3 weeks have passed since we were first instructed to implement social distancing. The rapidly changing and volatile situation has progressed to physical distancing.
As the days drag on and the reports of the global situation does not seem to be improving, and in many cases worsening; we are faced with the moral dilemma of staying home. I say moral dilemma because we are continually reminded by government officials that many people are choosing to ignore this plea. When #stayhome is said, this actually means stay in your house, apartment, or personal dwelling.
With physical distancing often comes loneliness. Loneliness can take many people down a spiral that includes a reduction of self care, decrease in healthy lifestyles, reduced activity, and a major decline in motivation.
I would like to share with you free apps and resources to stay in contact with friends and family. These can be quite straight forward to use. I have actually elicited the assistance of my 8 and 11 year old’s to help me. I am known not to be the most tech savvy, but that is also good news for you! If I can do it you can too!
Here is my list of resources and links!
Happy chatting!
Communication tools for video and chat:
Houseparty: https://houseparty.com/
House Party app is available for both iOS and Android. It allows for multiple users by splitting the screen between you and the people you are video chatting with.
WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/
WhatsApp can be used between iOS and Android users. It is fast, simple, secure messaging and calling on phones all over the world.
Messenger: https://www.messenger.com/
All-in-one communication app, complete with unlimited text, voice, video calling and group video chat features. It works best with a Facebook account.
Don’t have a Facebook account? Follow this link: https://lifehacker.com/you-can-now-use-facebook-messenger-without-a-facebook-a-1713715943
Messenger Kids: https://messengerkids.com/
A video calling and messaging app for smartphones and some tablets. Parents control the contact list, and kids control the fun. Keep in touch with close friends and family with fun-filled features like filters and stickers.
Zoom: https://zoom.us/
Used more in a business or professional setting as there can be time limits. Very popular video conferencing option.
Face Time: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204380
FaceTime is Apple’s video and audio calling service. Android users cannot access this.
Marco Polo: https://www.marcopolo.me/
Face to face conversation for iOS and Android. Unlike other video apps, you don’t need to be live.
Google hangouts: https://hangouts.google.com/
Connected though GSuite. Open Hangouts in Gmail. If you have the Hangouts Chrome extension, Hangouts will open in a new window.
Skype: https://www.skype.com/en/
Free online calls, messaging. Charges may apply for international calling to mobiles or landlines.
Creative outlets for communication:
Tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/en/
Used for creating, sharing and discovering short music videos. Also known as Karaoke for the digital age.
SnapChat: https://www.snapchat.com/
A popular messaging app that lets users exchange pictures and videos (called snaps) that are meant to disappear after they’re viewed. Fun creative filters for extended creativity and laughs.
Instagram: www.instagram.com
Allows users to share photos and videos from their lives, add captions, edit filters, tweak settings, engage with others and explore!
Information resources:
For those of you that are looking for other tools to keep you busy, informed and healthy here are some other resources that may benefit you.
Local / school portals and the Learn at Home Program:
https://learnathome.withyoutube.com/, https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-at-home?_ga=2.263063300.946545640.1585843149-98127473.1585843149
Mental Health resource:
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19
Moral and Spiritual resources:
- Search up local churches for online mass on Sundays
- Search support groups for online video support or even a phone call