During stressful or worrying times, many of us look to friends, family or colleagues for support. Good relationships are important all the time. They can help you build a sense of belonging and self-worth, give you the opportunity to share positive experiences and provide emotional support.
We might be meeting up with friends and family as often as we used to and working from home is becoming the norm. But that doesn't mean we can't keep in touch and gain support from each other - we just need to be a bit more creative – here are six ideas to stay connected,
1. Call your colleagues
If you’re working from home, call colleagues rather than emailing. Just because you’re not in the same office anymore, it doesn’t mean you have to go without a chat. If you’d usually go for a walk or lunch together in your break, schedule a catch up via phone or video instead.
2. Board, not bored, games
Take some time to connect with other people in your household if you live with others. don't just resort to a night in front of the telly, why not dust off the deck of cards, board games or old photos?
3. Keep in touch
Schedule a regular calls, meet-ups and catch-ups with people you haven’t spoken to in ages.
For those who live far away why not set up a family WhatsApp group or FaceTime a loved one. Not everyone has this kind of technology though, so sending a letter could brighten someone’s day. Or how about arranging a walk with local friends and family? it's fun and relaxing to be out and about enjoying a change of scene.
4. Adapting your plans
Missing the buzz of working in an office or being with colleagues? Working at home can be lonely and isolating. Although you can’t be together in the way you want to be, there are loads of innovative ways to keep these social connections going. Even pub quizzes, catch-ups over coffee and after-work drinks can be done through a video call! It's also important to make time in the working day just to chat, without the added agenda of a meeting.
5. How are you really?
Lots of people have been through a really challenging time, whether that’s working to keep vital services running or dealing with concerns about staying healthy and what might happen in the future. Take the time to check in with each other and find out how someone really is. Having a chance to offload how you’re feeling can really help.
7. Be there for someone
Check on on people in your community. A friendly wave, a smile, a chat to the neighbours or people at the school gates... it’s more important than ever to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues. With all sorts of imaginative ways of interacting with others springing up, we may even end up feeling more connected to others!
How are you taking care of your wellbeing?
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