This Is The Coolest Way To Connect During Pandemic Times (Win!)

According to numerous studies and polls conducted, more than half of Canadians (present company included) are feeling disconnected and isolated during these difficult times. An exciting new product, Cool To Connect—a deck of 52 cards that prompt meaningful connections and conversations with your peers via video chat or in person (while being six-feet apart of course!)—can help prevent this feeling by facilitating social connection. We chatted with creator Dana Clark about the product, and are giving three of you a chance to win! —Vita Daily

Hi Dana! When and why did you launch Cool To Connect? What is it and how does it work?

I officially launched in May 2020. I started this brand to make connection cool in our day-to-day lives, and help us gain confidence and empowerment in our vulnerable conversations and connections. Cool To Connect is an interactive and innovative set of 52 cards that will give you the tools to enhance your human-to-human experiences and connections. These cards will take you on an inspiring and awakening journey that will help you further your connections and relationship with yourself and others. Use Cool To Connect over coffee, during date night, girls night, for family/friend occasions, for team-building exercises, virtually (think Zoom, FaceTime) or even as journaling/writing prompts!

What kind of connection does the Cool To Connect deck facilitate, and who can use these cards?

Cool To Connect facilities meaningful and impactful connections and conversations. These cards are meant for everyone! This first deck that is released can be used essentially by anyone, during any occasion. Down the road, there will be different offerings by Cool To Connect that are catered to more specific and niched communities (for example, a kids deck).

What else can the deck be used for (besides connecting with others)?

The deck can be used to combat feelings of loneliness, aid in feelings of depression and anxiety, it helps to keep in touch with loved ones, get in tune with your emotions, learn to be a better listener and discover more about yourself and others.

What has some of the feedback so far been?

The feedback has been incredible! I’ve heard a lot of really beautiful stories about how Cool To Connect has helped bridge gaps between family members, friends, lovers, strangers and teams/acquaintances.

What is your personal favourite card in the deck, and why?

My favourite card in the deck is “Who are you here to be?” because I was once asked this question in 2016 during a development meeting with my boss at the time, and it’s changed my life forever. The question helps us reflect on the difference we’re here to make on earth, who we want to be and who we want to be seen as, and essentially, it asks what our purpose here on earth is.

What are some other ways we can connect in this time of social distancing and self-isolating?

I think this current time in the world has shown us the importance of our connections with others and with self, and the ways we’re achieving that feeling of connectedness is going to be more innovative now than ever due to social distancing and self-isolation. The power of virtual connection, whether it be a virtual online event, a family Zoom/FaceTime call, online game night, or simply picking up the phone and calling someone you wouldn’t typically call can make a world of a difference. Our cards are designed to be able to use in times of social distancing and self-isolation to decrease your feelings of loneliness and depression. Simply pull a card, read the prompt/question, and let your connections unfold.

cooltoconnect.com

Win! 1 of 3 Cool To Connect Decks!

Congrats Eva A. of Vancouver, Shyla M. of Saskatoon and Rae G. of Regina, who will each receive a Cool To Connect deck! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.