Discover the benefits of maintaining strong friendships and learn practical tips for making time for your loved ones. Learn how to set regular catch-up dates, include friends in your daily routine and show them you care through small gestures.
Making time for your friends is an essential part of maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Not only do friendships provide us with a sense of belonging and support, but they also offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.
For starters, having a strong support system of friends can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and can also improve our overall mood and sense of well-being. Studies have also shown that people with strong social connections have a reduced risk of developing certain health conditions, such as heart disease and depression.
But with busy schedules and the demands of daily life, it can be hard to make time for friends. So, how can you prioritise your friendships and make sure that you’re making the most of the time you do have with your loved ones?
One way to do this is to set regular catch-up dates with your friends. Whether it’s a weekly phone call or a monthly brunch, having a set date and time to chat with your friends will help to ensure that you’re making the most of your time together.
Another way to prioritise your friendships is to make an effort to include your friends in your daily routine. For example, if you’re a morning person, why not arrange to meet a friend for a morning walk or run? Or, if you’re a night owl, why not schedule a weekly movie night with your buddies?
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a simple, heartfelt message or call. A quick text or phone call to check in on a friend can go a long way in showing them that you care. If you’re having a hard time to remember: Use your calendar. Add in the friend’s birthday, her dog’s name day, and other important dates for her (wedding anniversary, doctor’s appointment she’s worried about, or her child’s graduation). Sending a small message on days that are important to your friend means more than you might think.
Friends are an essential part of our lives and making time for them is crucial. By setting regular catch-up dates, including them in your daily routine and showing them you care through small gestures, you can prioritise your friendships and enjoy all the benefits that come with them. So, don’t be shy, give your friends a call, arrange a meet-up or simply drop them a message, and let the good times roll.
