I can totally relate to what you're saying because staying close in a long-distance relationship takes more than just calling or texting every day. Sometimes it helps to add some surprises, like planning a virtual movie night or sending small handwritten notes through the mail. One of my friends actually shared this link with me:
https://undress.love/ and it has some interesting perspectives about intimacy and connection that could give you some fresh ideas. Personally, what worked for me was setting small goals together, like reading the same book and discussing it. It made the distance feel less heavy.