With so much of our lives spent working, it’s easy to forget to interact with others — whether it be through social events, hobbies, or other activities that truly enrich our lives.

I’ve recently tried out some apps that encourage real, offline face-time, allowing you to meet new people, catch up with those you have things in common with, and even discover opportunities that will benefit you professionally. Here are some of my new favorite ways to get off the internet and out socializing:

Meetup

Meetup connects me with people who share the same interests as I do. It shows upcoming events and activities in my area (or an area I’m traveling to) so I can meet with others who are interested in the same event. It’s not only a fun way to meet new people, but it provides you with instant conversation material to build up social skills and relationships in a much more comfortable way. Meetup also encourages business networking by allowing you to create and promote professional networking events.

Time to Enjoy

I’m often so busy with work and traveling that I forget to take the time to schedule social events. Time to Enjoy prevents me from missing out on some great social experiences by comparing my work schedule and calendar with events that are coming up. This way, I won’t miss out on events that will get me out of the house (or the hotel), and I can meet new people or old friends despite my hectic work schedule.

GoTribe

GoTribe is both an online and offline community designed to make fitness and wellness a social event and a fun lifestyle. Now in use in over nine countries and 12 states, the app connects you with “workout buddies” so you can provide each other with encouragement and come together in person to get in shape. I use this to help me balance work with my physical health and find other like-minded individuals to go exercise with when I’m on a business trip.

SupperClub

This app is great for foodies. With Supper Club, you can set up a group outing to a new restaurant or host a social dinner party at a nearby eatery. The app also hosts its own events that you can attend in various cities around the country. I’ve used it to organize dinners for my employees, special occasions, and even client meetings.

Golden

Golden connects you with volunteer opportunities and other people who enjoy volunteering. I can even choose to invite friends to volunteer for an upcoming event. This makes it easy to get out there and do something good for your community while allowing you to meet new people who share the same passion for social consciousness. I encourage others in my company to volunteer, so we use this app as a way to set up those events.

City Socializer

City Socializer is another great way to locate people who share the same interests as I do. The app provides an extensive list of social groups and organizations I can join in my city and information on upcoming events by interest. On business trips, I’ve had a great time finding other people who love doing the same things as I do. It’s a great way to fill in some free time rather than sitting in my hotel room.

All work and no play makes for a dull life. It’s easy to get wrapped up in work, but it doesn’t provide as satisfying an experience as actually going out and cultivating friendships through activities you enjoy doing. Since using these apps, I’ve participated in more activities away from the computer, made some great friends, and created some incredible memories. As an added incentive, these apps are free to download, making it easy for you to get out and get involved in your community.