23 simple ways to support your friends when they need it most

It seems like a lot of people have been going through a rough period lately. I know that for me, this year has been very stressful, however, I got through it with the amazing support from my friends. Here are a few simple things that you can do to show your friends love and support them when they need it the most:

1. Send them supportive text messages

[Gif description: animated hands texting with bluebirds and rainbows in the background and coming through the phone] via Giphy — [Gif description: animated hands texting with blue birds and rainbows in the background and coming through the phone] via Giphy

When I randomly get a message from one of my friends saying “you got this” or just one sending me motivation, I instantly feel loved and have a better attitude about everything that’s on my plate.

2. Just check in on them

[Gif description: Lisa Simpson walking up saying "Hi! How are you?"] via Giphy — [Gif description: Lisa Simpson walking up saying “Hi! How are you?”] via Giphy

Simply asking your friends how they’re doing shows that you care.

3. Listen to them

[Gif description: a kid sitting at a desk saying "Listen. Listen. Listen."] via Giphy — [Gif description: a kid sitting at a desk saying “Listen. Listen. Listen.”] via Giphy

Sometimes, your friend is having a hard time and just wants to vent. Let them.

4. Get them something that they would love

[Gif description: Octavia Spencer sitting at a table saying "I love that" to someone] via Giphy — [Gif description: Octavia Spencer sitting at a table saying “I love that” to someone] via Giphy

Maybe their love language is gift giving, consider surprising them with a small gift like a face mask or something that reminded you of them.

5. Offer to accompany them somewhere

[Gif description: a man and a woman smiling and laughing while walking down a street] via Giphy

Sometimes people just like company during errands or when they need to be productive.

6. FaceTime homework date

[Gif description: A woman kissing her phone as she says hi to someone] via Giphy

This is specifically for long distance friendships. Personally, I like having company and motivation when I need to get a few things done. So, I’ll FaceTime my friend and we’ll both motivate each other to work and even brainstorm ideas with each other.

7. Give them a big hug

[Gif description: two women embracing each other in a warm hug] via Giphy

Everyone can use a warm embrace.

8. Make or bring them food

[Gif description: A woman telling a man "food makes you feel better"] via Giphy — [Gif description: A woman telling a man “food makes you feel better”] via Giphy

Food instantly brightens my mood. It’s even brought some tears to my friends when someone brings them food after a hard day.

9. Hype them up

[Gif description: a woman praising someone saying "that is genuis"] via Giphy — [Gif description: a woman praising someone saying “that is genuis”] via Giphy

Be their personal hypewoman.

10. Tell them a funny story

[Gif description: a woman laughing] via Giphy

Sometimes people just need a good laugh to keep on keeping on.

11. Organize a movie night

[Gif description: cartoon kids jumping on beanie bags in front of a TV screen] via Giphy

If your friend is anything like myself, a lighthearted movie can be the perfect way to de-stress.

12. Tell them you love them

[Gif description: Kris Jenner in a car saying "I love my friends"] via Giphy — [Gif description: Kris Jenner in a car saying “I love my friends”] via Giphy

This seems very obvious, but it can go a long way.

13. Send them a cute picture of a puppy

[Gif description: a puppy pawing at the camera] via Giphy

Everyone can use a little puppy love.

14. Buy them flowers

[Gif description: a man giving a woman a single flower] via Giphy

15. Have an at-home spa day

[Gif description: three girls with green face masks on with one holding a spoon full of the green mask] via Giphy

Spa days always make me feel rejuvenated and instantly more confident and ready to handle everything that I have to do.

16. Go out for drinks

[Gif description: two girls shotgunning a beer] via Giphy

17. Plan a fun day activity

[Gif description: a beluga whale blowing a kiss to a little girl] via Giphy

Go to the zoo or aquarium, or even try visiting an animal shelter (again, puppy love).

18. Go to Marshall’s or Target

[Gif description: a woman saying "retail therapy!] via Giphy — [Gif description: a woman saying “retail therapy!] via Giphy

Retail therapy is very real.

19. Take them for a hike

[Gif description: two girls laughing together while on a hike] via Giphy

Physical activity and fresh air can be just the reset they need.

20. Listen to their favorite music

[Gif description: a woman dancing to music as she's holding a phone with music notes jumping up and down] via Giphy — [Gif description: a woman dancing to music as she’s holding a phone with music notes jumping up and down] via Giphy

I don’t know about you, but a little dance party and/or karaoke session instantly puts me in a good mood.

21. Group nap

[Gif description: a little girl curling up in a nap on top of a sleeping cat] via Giphy

22. Bake them cookies

[Gif description: a cartoon chef checking on cookies in the oven] via Giphy

23. Plan a game night

[Gif description: a scrabble board spelling out "simple game night"] via Giphy — [Gif description: a scrabble board spelling out “simple game night”] via Giphy

Games can be a great way to destress and offer some fun for a hectic schedule. So consider throwing a game night to relax a little with some friends who need it the most!

I’m sure that any of your friends will appreciate any of the things on this list, stressed or not! Going into a new year, only accept supportive and healthy friendships.