12 ways to make memories with loved ones during isolation

Making memories with loved ones. Soaking up the special moments. This is why we started The Fizzy Pheasant, to be a part of helping people have a magical time making memories with their loved ones. It’s at the core of us as people and is the reason we do what we do.

In light of the current challenging circumstances we find ourselves in, the typical ways in which we would go about making memories and spending quality time together is greatly impacted. From the cancellation of weddings and celebrations to not being able to visit your nearest and dearest friends and family, things are tough right now, really tough, and that’s before we’ve even taken into account the very real, practical concerns of loss of income, lack of child care and empty supermarket shelves.

At times like these, the value and importance of connecting with our loved ones becomes all the greater, and the moments we do get, even more, cherished. With this in mind, Nick and I decided to put our heads together and come up with as many ways as we could think of to make memories with your loved ones at this time.

1. VIDEO CHAT

There is something that feels so much more real and connecting about being able to see somebody’s face. Watching them smile at your jokes, seeing the care in their eyes, it really makes a big difference.

2. HAVE A SKYPE DINNER

Why not take that a step further and have a skype dinner or play a skype game! We once did this with a friend who was deployed with the Navy, and it is now one of our favourite memories we share.

3. TALK ON THE PHONE MORE

This one sounds simple, and it is, but in the days of WhatsApp voice messaging, I often find I have a whole conversation over voice message, rather than just picking up the phone and getting that real-time connection.

4. LEARN A NEW SKILL TO SHARE WITH YOUR LOVED ONE’S NEXT TIME YOU SEE THEM

This is a great one because not only do you benefit from learning your new skill, like learning to play a new instrument but having a sense of purpose during isolation will likely also have positive benefits for your mental health.

5. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE, AND FOR BONUS POINTS, CONVINCE SOMEONE ELSE TO LEARN WITH YOU!

By doing this, you can level up those new phone calls your having, by having them in French!

6. DON’T FALL INTO THE FALSE SOCIAL MEDIA TRAP

Whilst scrolling through social media can feel like you are keeping up to date with your friends and family, we all window dress our social posts, and you really aren’t finding out how they actually feel right now, or getting to share how you really feel.

7. WATCH A PROGRAM AT THE SAME TIME AND DISCUSS IT LIVE ON THE PHONE OR OVER VIDEO CHAT

Once you forget the phone is there it really does feel like you’re watching it together – trust us, try it!

If you are in isolation with other people, such as your immediate family, you could also:

8. PLAY BOARD GAMES TOGETHER

Isn’t it funny that we do this at Christmas, but for some reason forget about our board games for the other 364 days of the year? Why not dust off the old monopoly board and have some fun together!

9. ENJOY MEALS TOGETHER, TAKING IT IN TURN TO COOK…

Meals can tend to fade into the functional routine of our day, bolted down whilst simultaneously watching tv or scrolling through the news or Facebook, but actually, they are great excuses to stop, enjoy and be thankful for the food we are eating, and be present with our families.

10. …OR EVEN TEACH THE KIDS TO COOK

Schools out, and a lot of parents are worried about their children missing out on education, but there are many things outside of typical academic topics that you could use the time to teach them, and cooking is not only a valuable skill but also something children LOVE to do!

11. GO FOR WALKS IN OPEN SPACES TOGETHER

Current advice is that in places where social distancing is possible, getting outside in the fresh air and keeping active once a day is very important still. If you live in the South West like us, then chances are you aren’t very far from a beautiful open space. It’s essential for your mental and physical health and another great way to entertain the whole family.

12. DO A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

These days we all have phones that can take a pretty great photo. said phones also have timers. Why not get dressed up (fancy or formal) gather together and take some photos to cherish forever?

However, you do it, spending quality time with your loved ones through these isolation periods is so important for everyone’s mental well being and just doing even one or two of these things above could make a huge difference to how you feel or how someone you care about feels.

If you’ve got any other ideas, please write them in the comments so other readers can get even more isolation inspiration.

Take care everyone x