Attribution: [Image description: two women smiling and toasting to drinks with other friends] via Pexels /@ ELEVATE
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 blue birds and rainbows in the background and coming through the phone] via GiphyWhen 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 GiphySimply 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 GiphySometimes, 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 GiphyMaybe 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 GiphySometimes 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 GiphyThis 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 GiphyEveryone can use a warm embrace.
8. Make or bring them food
[Gif description: A woman telling a man “food makes you feel better”] via GiphyFood 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 GiphyBe their personal hypewoman.
10. Tell them a funny story
[Gif description: a woman laughing] via GiphySometimes 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 GiphyIf 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 GiphyThis 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 GiphyEveryone 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 GiphySpa 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 GiphyGo 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 GiphyRetail therapy is very real.
19. Take them for a hike
[Gif description: two girls laughing together while on a hike] via GiphyPhysical 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 GiphyI 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 GiphyGames 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.