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January 17, 2023

Tips for staying connected through tech

3 minute read

It’s in our nature as humans to connect with other people. Whether those connections are deep and meaningful or casual and fleeting, social interaction helps us relate to the world, gives us a sense of belonging, and boosts our mood. Many studies show that human connection can even positively affect our immune systems!

Thanks to technology, we have more ways than ever to connect with each other—and stay connected. But between work, home, and multiple devices, requests are coming from all directions, sometimes 24 hours a day. Choosing the right method to connect based on your mood, health, and desired outcome can go a long way when it comes to balancing social needs, productivity, and me time. Not all calls need to be video. Some conversations are better face-to-face. And yes, some meetings should have been an email. Follow these easy tips to stay connected with the people in your life in the ways that work best for you while also holding space for yourself.

Try these tips to stay connected through tech

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When you need a casual hangout

  • Video call your friends
    If you need some one-on-one time with your bestie or you’re doing story time from afar, Microsoft Teams is your go-to for face-to-face time.1 Spontaneously call someone for a chat or make it official and schedule time to catch up.2 You can also text, chat, send emoji reactions, and share files or photos seamlessly while your video call is going on. With Windows 11, it’s even easier to connect with the important people in your life using a personal account to chat, voice call, or video call instantly from the Chat from Microsoft Teams icon on the main taskbar.3
  • Meet up for a meal
    Gather friends and family as you prepare and cook a meal in your respective homes. Then sit down and enjoy your efforts together while on a group call with Microsoft Teams.
  • Watch a movie or TV show with friends
    Grab some popcorn and Teleparty and chill with the Teleparty browser extension for Microsoft Edge. You can host a long-distance watch party with your pals without ever leaving your couch—except to refill the snacks. Watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO* in sync with your pals while you have a running commentary in the sidebar.

When you only have a second

In the middle of six things as usual? Need to tell someone something quickly, but don’t have time to get “into it”? Can’t find your phone…again? (Check the fridge.) Sometimes a quick text is the most efficient way to get a message out ASAP. Remind your partner to pick up the dry cleaning or that you’re thinking of them with the Windows 11 Chat app integrated right into your taskbar. Yes, that’s right: You can send SMS texts to Android and iPhones from your computer. So, text away.2

When you’re feeling extra extroverted

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  • Set up a virtual happy hour
    It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Whether it’s with your bowling buddies, book club, or best friend, schedule time to connect with your favorite people through Microsoft Teams. Grab your beverage of choice to toast the highlights of your day. Bonus prize to the person calling in from the time zone farthest from you!  Messy home? Turn on background blur to put all the focus on you.
  • Reinvent game nights
    Here are free MSN games that you can play online with others during virtual game nights. Master your chess game or develop a love for bridge. Pick your game, invite your playmates, and connect with them through a group video call.
  • Have a PowerPoint party!
    Choose a topic and have fun with it! What are the strangest places you’ve ever visited? Which decade had the best music? Best TV series of all time? Create your slides with PowerPoint Online.
  • Schedule your activities
    Stay on top of all your engagements with Microsoft Outlook Calendar. Schedule events, add important details, set reminders, and invite attendees with ease. Try using different colors to categorize commitments according to the type of event—family, friends, gaming pals, etc.—so you can quickly gauge the level of effort (and attire) required.

When you’re having an offline day

  • Schedule quiet time
    Create a little breathing room every now and then. Consider scheduling some quiet time into your Microsoft Outlook Calendar to reconnect with yourself—meditate, do something creative, go for a walk, or simply use the time to work uninterrupted.
  • Turn off notifications
    Avoid distracting notifications when you need to stay focused by turning on Focus assist in Windows 11.

Perhaps more important than which tool or method you use to connect is simply acknowledging that making connections comes in many forms, and we all respond differently to different approaches. Try various strategies (and our tips for staying connected) to see what works for you—and be open to what works for others.

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  • [*] Each party must have a separately available subscription.
  • [1] Meet with anyone in a one-on-one call and talk for up to 24 hours for free. Meet with up to 100 participants in a group call and talk for up to 60 minutes for free.
  • [2] Chatting via SMS is available in limited countries and will be available in other geographic locations on a rolling basis. See more details.
  • [3] Certain features require specific hardware. See Windows 11 specifications. Internet access required; ISP fees may apply. Features and app availability may vary by region.