Feeling lonely and disconnected from family and friends? A video can bridge the gap and make a world of difference. 

Over the last two years, people have adapted to and embraced the use of video for communication. Video has managed to fill a gap in both our professional and personal lives and has really become part of our new normal. And it’s not just for work-from-home professionals. People of all ages have become accustomed to using various video apps to communicate, and in many ways, it’s better for you than an email, text, or phone call. 

And over the last two years, we’ve been way more isolated than ever. Despite feeling more comfortable about getting together again, you may often find yourself feeling the distance.  You may be traveling for work, a student away at college, in a long distance relationship, an empty-nester parent or grandparent who can’t wait to hear from one of the kids, or just feeling a little lonely wherever you are. Connecting with someone you care about via video can brighten your day and can actually improve your overall mental well-being. 

“The next best thing to being there.”

Remember this famous tagline from “Ma Bell”  (AT&T) and phones that you had to dial? Back then it was hearing someone’s voice on the other end of the phone that made all the difference. Now, you can see their face, and it literally is the next best thing to being there. The connection you make with someone with a video call can be profoundly more gratifying than a regular call and certainly more than an email or text. 

Seeing is believing. 

With a video you can actually see stuff, right? You can be present for your niece’s birthday party, watch your mom show you how to perfectly dice an onion, show off the car you just bought, or the incredible view from your new office. With video, you can be there, even when you can’t.

Save on long-distance!

Some of you likely have friends and family overseas. Calls can really get expensive, depending on your phone plan. But with video calls, you don’t have to pay a dime (that’s an old-school phone reference too…). The only headache is counting the difference in hours between time zones. 

RSVP for just about anything.

“Can I video conference in?” You probably hear this a lot more these days, and it’s not just for work. Many different public gatherings offer live-streaming or video conferencing options for events like church services, weddings, graduations, and retirement parties. Now you have no excuse for not attending!

Beat the “Winter Blues.”

While working from home can be awesome, it’s important to recognize a key drawback – isolation. The “winter blues” have long been associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and it tends to hit us when we “fall back” and turn the clocks back an hour. Sure, it’s nice to get a free hour that weekend, but it also gets dark by 5pm or sooner.

If you’re feeling more down than usual this time of year, it may be more than just having a bad day. SAD can impact anyone, whether you’re working from home or not. But there are a few things you can do to help you feel more like seizing the day.

• Change the Light Bulbs: Bring more “daylight” into your life with full spectrum light bulbs that simulate daylight and have been known to improve the mood for many of those who get depressed during the winter months. 
• Dawn is breaking: Dawn simulating alarm clocks use a gradual increase in light to wake you up rather than blaring an alarm, tone, or loud music. It’s almost like waking up to the sunrise.
• Do you feel lucky?: If luck happens when preparation meets opportunity, then make yourself lucky! Prepare yourself for the winter months and take the opportunity to lessen the down feelings you get during the winter months.
• Connect with actual people, like in-person: Lessen the impact of seasonal depression by reducing the time you’re isolated. Get some face time with friends and family. Go for a walk. Grab a coffee. But if distance or bad weather is an issue, hop on a video chat. Anything you can do to connect with someone you care about is going to make you feel better.

Brighten someone’s day with a VideoStamp!

A VideoStamp is a simple, fun, unique way of reaching out to someone who you know is feeling down and letting them know you’re thinking about them.

What makes a VideoStamp unique and special is that it combines the digital experience of a video with the hands-on aspect of what you attach it to, such as a gift, card, or letter. You can even write a little note directly on a VideoStamp. This friendly gesture says a lot to the recipient, because you took the time and effort to reach out. 

Whatever time of year it is, there’s always an occasion for a VideoStamp. Try our new Variety Pack and connect with someone you care about!