Zoom usage has rapidly declined since the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted. During Covid, downloads of virtual tools such as Zoom, House Party and Skype increased more than 100%[1], but now, the world is ditching screens in favour of real, in person interactions.
Lockdown now seems like a distant memory, but it wasn’t too long ago the world relied on virtual calls for quizzes, birthday parties, and the likes – which is why the nation now has Zoom fatigue!
Psychologists, computer scientists and neuroscientists say the distortions and delays in such video calls can make you feel isolated, anxious, and disconnected. Delays, freezing and blurring can affect social cues, meaning we concentrate harder on Zoom calls, leaving us feeling tired and drained.
As humans, a large part of communication relies on facial expressions and body language, which is almost impossible to read via video call. It can lead to lack of trust by not being able make eye contact and can diminish self-confidence too.
Many people also feel the need on video calls to fill gaps of silence and are scared of awkward pauses, which can de-rail the point of the call – particularly in a work setting.
There are so many more benefits to having in-person catch-ups, including benefits to our mental health:
- It boosts happiness and lifts our mood.
- It reduces stress levels.
- It can improve self-confidence.
- It can be seen as a form of self-therapy.
According to our research, 50% of people said meeting up with their friends make them happier overall, and one quarter of people said it boosts their mood. So how can we catch up with friends? Over a drink, of course!
In lockdown, everyone came together to have a glass of wine or a cocktail over Zoom, but is there anything better than being in the moment and tasting the same bottle together, or a jug of cocktail?
Here’s some inspiration for catching up over a drink with your friend!
Espresso Martini Sharer
Ingredients
x 1 bag Polar Cube ice
x 300ml Vodka
x 210ml Kahlúa
x 150ml Freshly Brewed Espresso Coffee
x 1 handful Party Ice
Garnish: Coffee Beans, Gold Leaf
Method
1. Fill your Jug with Polar Cube ice then add the vodka, Kahlúa and espresso, stirring with a long spoon to chill the cocktail.
2. When you’re ready to serve, fill your shaker 3/4 of the way with Party Ice, then fill with enough cocktail mix to cover the ice. Cover and shake well to get a nice frothy top on your drinks.
3. Strain into your glasses and garnish with 3 coffee beans and a sprinkle of gold leaf to serve, enjoy!
For additional servings, repeat steps 2 & 3 till everyone has enjoyed a delicious batch of Espresso Martini’s.
Sharing Classic Margarita
Ingredients
x 200ml Cointreau
x 200ml Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
x 400ml Tequila
x 60ml Agave Syrup
x 3 Super Cubes
x 1 handful Party Ice
Garnish: Limes
Method
1. Combine all ingredients (except Super Cubes) in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Zest a lime and mix with salt. Use a lime wedge to rim your glasses then dip into the salt mixture. Fill glasses with Super Cubes.
3. Fill a shaker ¾ of the way full with Party Ice. Add enough margarita mixture to fill the shaker to the top of the ice. Shake well, then strain into your glasses. Garnish with a lime wedge & enjoy!
For additional servings, repeat steps 2 & 3 till everyone has enjoyed a delicious batch of Classic Margarita’s.