Why a Video Call with Friends or Family Is Good For Your Health

Social distancing and staying at home wasn’t hard at first, but it’s become more difficult over time. It’s hard to be separated from loved ones. Negative feelings can impact your heart health, increase the chances of depression and anxiety, and reduce your energy levels. It’s important to feel connected to the people you love, to stay busy and stay social at times when you’re stuck at home. Scheduling a video call to catch up can help – here’s how. 

Virtual Calls Cut Back Feelings of Isolation

The more you talk to others and converse about your feelings, the more you’ll realize how not alone you are. Many others have the same feelings and experiences that you’re having right now. Video calls are different from phone calls because they allow you to see faces and expressions. This can help you follow conversations and feel more connected at the same time.  

Speaking with Friends and Family Boosts Optimism

Video calls can be refreshing, because when they’re over, you feel more connected to the people you spoke with. Everything feels better and brighter when you feel supported and connected to the people you love. This boost of optomism is good for your health including your immune system and heart.

Video Call Tips

Many people did not regularly have video calls before the pandemic started, so not all of us feel comfortable with the technology. These video call tips can help you get the most out of the activity. 

• Schedule the appointment ahead of time to ensure that all parties are able to participate.
• Make a standing appointment to give yourself something to look forward to, and to maintain consistent contact with the people you love. They want to hear from you as much as you want to hear from them, so don’t feel afraid to make plans.
• Video call with more than one group to stay connected to extended relatives and friends from many different households. 
• Use animated facial expressions during the call to convey meaning – especially when talking to young children.
• Make eye contact with the camera. This conveys the sense that you’re looking at the person you’re talking to, which makes your video phone calls more like one-on-one conversations.
• Bring props to the call, like a mug of coffee or a calm pet that wants to be petted. Having a prop gives you something to do with your hands, and also conveys the feeling that you’re just sitting together in in your living room. 

You’ll get used to video calls over time. Putting the effort into video calls is worth it, to maintain your health, sanity and optimism during the long winter. If you find you’re still looking for company, you can also consider online dating or making new friends through an online interest group.

About the Author: Kathryn Elwell grew up in the Midwest. She has experience in management and human resources, and has been writing on these topics and more for 12 years.