We’re all adjusting to social distancing, and I think I speak for most of us when I say this is much harder than I expected it to be. On a normal day, I spend most of my time around other people. I didn’t realize how much that meant to me until I had to be secluded. 

Thankfully, we live in a technologically driven world where a wave hello or hearing someone say “goodnight” is a touch away. Here’s how the OPR team is connecting with the outside world and staying in touch!

Addison: I’m talking on the phone, texting and FaceTiming constantly! 

Ashley: FaceTime is a savior. I’m able to arrange FaceTime “dates” with my friends. I also take the time to call my family more – even if I don’t have anything to talk about. 

Brittany: I recently called some friends in England using the app called House Party. You can video call just to catch up or play fun digital games with each other!  

Carlee: My 24th birthday fell during social isolation, so I had the idea to host a virtual birthday! It was a lot of fun because friends from all over were able to join and meet. We all chatted for close to three hours. I honestly think it will be one of the most memorable birthdays I’ll ever have.

Christina: Social media has helped since people are on it even more these days. But for the most part, my communication with loved ones hasn’t changed much since the majority of them are out of town anyway. The only ones I’ve seen less of are my parents, whom I’ve only visited once as a precaution. We text regularly and call each other once or twice a week. 

Courtney: I’m Snapchatting with my older kids a lot more, including Snapchat video. I’ve started using a new app called Marco Polo to send and receive videos from my sister in Florida. 

Gracie: FaceTime! 

Jenna: The first half of the quarantine was spent at my parents’ home. Since I moved during quarantine, I’ve had the privilege of spending time with my new roommates and my pup. I’d say I’m pretty lucky in that way! 

Kelli: My grandma is locked in at her assisted living facility, but their staff is helping residents FaceTime with families by appointment. So one day last week, we had an appointment with her and sat the iPad at the dinner table so she felt like she was there. My kids also make crafts for her, and we can drop them off at the facility and the staff will deliver them to her room. We still get to see my parents because my husband and my dad work together (albeit from home currently). And we’re doing a lot more FaceTime with my in-laws who live out of town since it’s likely to be a while before we can visit. 

Lauren: I talk with friends on WhatsApp and send video chats on Marco Polo – so fun! I have also had Zoom “girls’ night out” calls, and doing Google Hangouts and FaceTime calls with the OPR team injects a little spark of fun, too! 

Murray: I am texting friends a lot and doing social distance dinners over FaceTime.

Taylor: FaceTime calls are an everyday occurrence, especially with my out-of-state family. I’ve also been doing Zoom happy hours with my college pals across the country. It feels good to gather everyone together, even if we can’t be in the same room. 

Whitney: Phone calls and FaceTime with my niece, nephews, mom and dad in Little Rock. 

Staying connected with one another is a great way to make your day a little brighter and help you remember that we’re in this together. Stay healthy, everyone!