Finding Social Connection During Winter Break

Whether you’ve transitioned from being on campus with friends to being home, or maybe you’re not able to be with friends or family this break, feelings of loneliness can be very common. While there are many benefits of alone time and disconnecting, maintaining social connection is key to feeling fulfilled. Check out these tips for finding ways to feel socially connected during break.

Minimize Your Time on Social Media

While spending time on social media may seem like a good way to stay connected during break, it can actually make your feelings of loneliness worse. Even if you don’t realize it, seeing everyone’s depictions of their break may make you feel like everyone is having a better, more fun, more interesting break than you are – even if that’s not true. It’s okay to check in once in a while to see what your friends are up to, but make sure to do so in moderation!

Throw a Zoom Party

The possibilities of a Zoom party are endless, but having a planned activity can help you learn more about what's going on in your friends' lives or just connect in a fun way. Whether you make mini presentations of your highlights from the year, assign superlatives for the friend group, or hold a debate on results of a reality TV show, even the process of preparing for this kind of party can make you feel connected to friends near and far.

Send Snail Mail

While a text message or phone call can certainly help you feel connected to long-distance friends, nothing beats the feeling of getting an old-fashioned letter or postcard! Exchange addresses with your friends and send each other fun snail mail over the break. A postcard from your hometown or where you’re spending your break can be a fun way to share your experiences with friends and learn more about one another!

Visit Your Local Library

Did you know that most local libraries host no-cost social events that are open to the public? If you find yourself needing a way to fill the day or an excuse to get out of the house, check out your town library’s website for free events they may be hosting. Between game nights, book clubs, movie screenings, and trivia competitions, there’s often something for everyone! These events can also be great opportunities to meet new friends in your community. If all else fails, the library will be full of books (and often movies) you can check out for some entertainment on your own!

Have a Virtual Watch Party

You can’t go wrong with watching a TV show or a movie with a friend or group of friends. And the best part…everyone can tune in no matter where they are! Many streaming platforms include a watch party function or allow viewers to use a watch party extension, enabling groups to watch a movie together and chat at the same time.

Play Online Games

While traditional card or board games are great, multiplayer online games are a fun virtual option to connect with friends far away! There are many online games and apps that allow you to compete with or against your friends, and many popular board games have online or app versions as well! Check out the Games section of wherever you purchase your phone apps for some ideas. Just remember to use your best judgment when going for that strategic block or dispatching spiny blue shells…the goal is to still be friends after the break is over.