[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.
Nasira Pratt is currently a senior at Occidental College with a major in Media Arts & Culture and a minor in Sociology. Her experience includes interning at ENTITY Magazine as an SEO intern and as an editorial intern at The New Presence in Prague, Czech Republic. She's an eager student with a deep love for her community, Beyoncé, and ShondaLand (in that order).
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