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May we suggest that you put those ambitious New Year’s resolutions aside for a few months because if there was ever a January where you needed permission to love yourself just the way you are, it’s this one! With that in mind, here are some ways that you can exercise your mental and emotional health muscles through staying connected with family and friends.

Host a games night with friends. Download an online murder mystery, plan a trivia night or share a screen and play virtual games together on platforms like Jackbox. Plan a porch drop off for each guest: Pack a small bag with game pieces or instructions and tuck in a bottle of wine such as a Washington Merlot or Australia Cabernet Sauvignon, and some tasty treats to add to a charcuterie board. We love lots of cut up veggies with Beemster cheese, olives, cured meats and grainy crackers.

Watch movies… together but separately. Whether it’s musicals with your best friends, a suspense drama series with dad or last year’s top Oscar pics with neighbours —wrap yourself in your coziest sweater and plan a low-key viewing party. Hop on a video call, a chat or a conference line then cue the movie, grab the snacks, pour the wine and let everyone press play at the same time. The commentary and critique will ensue, and we bet this will be your new favourite way to catch a flick.

Cook a meal —or bake— together. Turn “let’s meet for a coffee” into “let’s make dinner together.” With the video call on the kitchen counter, chop, chat and catch up while doing mundane meal prep —or preplan a menu and create the same dinner or brunch. Take it one step further and dine together on the meal you prepared together.

With a long winter ahead, now is the time to get some virtual get-together dates on the calendar and start planning. Cheers!