Staying Connected and Healthy During Coronavirus Uncertainty

This article is sponsored by Cox.

Now more than ever, it’s important to stay connected to the people you love, manage anxiety and stay active. With so much uncertainty over the last couple weeks, lots of families are feeling stressed out. But for the cheek-pinchers and huggers of the world, this new normal of social distancing can be extra tough. We’ve rounded up a few ideas for how to enact self-care for the whole family — with the help of media and tech — and sometimes without it.

Stay active

When we’re stuck inside, we need to get creative to get everyone moving. Set up an obstacle course, play hide-and-seek, and watch some exercise videos on YouTube as a family. Just say “exercise videos on YouTube” into your Contour voice remote for some fun ideas.

Get goofy

This list of silly movies might not include the finest film-making, but for tweens and teens, they tickle the funny bone in just the right place.

Feel better

Check out these health-focused apps to pass the time while also getting some tips on eating well, exercising, and even managing the stress of an illness.

Meditate.

We’ve got apps for kids and families that can help you visualize a more peaceful setting, align your breath with your yoga poses, or focus on what you’re grateful for.

Using this time at home to bond with your children is important, but it’s equally important to stay in touch with grandparents and other family members that aren’t in your home. Here are a few easy ideas to help your entire family stay connected even when you can’t physically be together.

Create a playlist of music for your parents from their teen years

Studies show that listening to your favorite music stimulates the brain’s pleasure circuit, which makes you feel good. Surprise your parents with a walk down memory lane by creating a playlist of songs from the decade when they were teens. According to U.S. News & World Report, a healthy dose of nostalgia can boost your mood, improve relationships, and trigger inspiration.

Start a photo stream

Grandparents are always asking for more pictures of the kids. Create a shared family photo album on iCloud, Google Photos, or Amazon Photos and make a commitment to add one new photo a day. Get your kids involved in the creative process with homemade props and costumes.

Call just to chat

Just one call, one text or one video chat a day can help your loved ones feel less lonely. While sharing stories over the phone or on video chat isn’t nearly as cozy as catching up on a couch together, it’s a good substitute when you can’t be in the same room.

Practicing social distancing isn’t the only thing we can do to keep each other safe. Now is the time to reach out and check in with each other. Share your stories about how you use technology to stay connected to the people you love using #OneCallADay on social media.


Cox is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that make each one unique.

Wichita Mom
Wichita Mom is the #1 parenting website and your local family guide to the best of Wichita! Providing relevant information and all things Wichita, we love to share about our favorite activities, local businesses, things to do, family fun, and helpful resources unique to Wichita Area parents and families.