No matter what you see on the surface, everyone has their challenges to deal with—losing a loved one, a rocky relationship, sudden job changes. You can probably name one or two things in your own life that are throwing an overcast.
Despite the current restrictions and precautions, maintaining healthy connections is a must. Even a simple phone call or “thinking of you” text message can mean the world to someone going through a difficult period. If you have a loved one that’s going through a tough time, here are a few ways to show your care and support.
#1 Communicate
Obvious? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.
When it comes to communication, quality matters as much as quantity—if not more. If you can, don’t just text your condolences or concerns; actually give them a call. Hearing a friend’s voice says way more than a typed-out response.
If you want to leave a more permanent message, consider sending a hand-written note. A pop-up card is a uniquely cheerful slate for writing out your support. And if you’re in a time-crunch, sending a thoughtful eCard can be the perfect way to reach out initially.
#2 Plan a De-Stressing (Not Distressing!) Activity
Maybe save the laser tag or bar hopping for a different time. When a friend is stressed out, the last thing you want is to add more strain.
Instead, plan a relaxing activity for the two of you—preferably something you know they’d love. Here are a few suggestions for keeping it chill:
- Workout – We’re not suggesting you run a marathon as part of your unwinding time. But you can certainly dust off the yoga mat or even put on a fun online dance class to sweat it all out.
- Movie night – Grab the popcorn, a blanket, and your favorite DVD (just kidding, we know you watch your movies on Netflix these days). We suggest something light-hearted and feel-good but give your loved one a chance to make the movie selection.
- Color together – You don’t have to be in preschool to drool over a crisp new 64-count crayon box. Pick up a coloring book tailored towards adults (or hey, kids if you’re feeling nostalgic—who doesn’t love Disney princesses and Toy Story?) and doodle the stresses away with your friend.
#3 Send a Gift
Large or small, gifts are appreciated by all—it rhymes, so it must be true.
Sending a thoughtful gift is a lovely way to show your support in a relationship, for acquaintances, best friends, and lovers alike. Don’t get caught up with finding something lavish or expensive. No matter the recipient, it’s the thought that counts.
Here are a few presents that could brighten someone’s day:
- Gift basket – Something sweet, something soft, but all splendidly comforting. Gift baskets are excellent sympathy gifts, providing smile-inducing treats and trinkets to a friend.
- Memorial pendant – If you know someone that’s grieving, a custom pendant is a sentimental way to memorialize their love. Just make sure your friend is comfortable with a touching reminder of their loss.
- Spa kit – Can’t hold an at-home spa night together? Bring the salon to their home with an indulgent spa kit. Small acts of self-care can transform a person’s mood and outlook.
#4 Offer to Help
Whether you’re depressed or stressed, errands feel like an impossible uphill battle during rough times. Clean clothes don’t seem to matter with everything else going on.
This is where a helping hand becomes a lifesaver.
Is your friend’s house becoming overrun with dust bunnies and cobwebs? Cleaning someone’s home can free up important time and energy on their end, whether you’re sending a professional service or decluttering it yourself. Only see milk and ketchup in their fridge? Ask to help out with the grocery shopping. Delivery services can save you both time, or you can go ahead and load up your shopping bags and face the lines yourself.
You’ll be the hero of their week, hands down.
Being There Is What Matters Most
You don’t need to be a superhero to support your friends. These small gestures can uplift your loved one during their darkest times, but nothing will matter more than your support and thoughtfulness.