Good relationships with family and friends are important for your mental health.
It's worth putting effort into your friendships or making new friends. Friends help you to cope with the problems that life throws at you.
Sharing things with family and friends can help you:
- stay grounded
- put things into perspective
- build healthy relationships that make life more enjoyable
Tips for staying in touch
You might not have family or friends living nearby or you may have lost touch over the years. This can sometimes cause you distress.
Do not be afraid to get in touch, even if it has been a long time.
Take the first step
Consider making contact with friends or family. People seem to really benefit from taking time to connect with family, friends, and colleagues.
It is important to nurture our relationships with and invest time in family and friends. You can do this by finding space in your schedule for people that you care about.
Arrange a day out
Reach out to friends you may not have connected with recently. It can help to suggest a few dates and make a plan.
Exercise with others
Having someone to exercise with is a great way to motivate yourself to do more physical activity. You can improve your health and catch up at the same time.
Physical activity and your mental health
Reduce your screen time
Avoid using electronic devices when you are in company of other people. Put your phone away, close your laptop, turn off the TV and have a chat.
Join with others
Take any opportunities to make new connections and get to know the people who live near to you.
Activities with other people to improve your mental health
Get help in managing difficult relationships
You can get support to help you cope with difficult relationships. For example, if you struggle to manage friendships and have family relationships that cause you distress.
This is one of the main reasons people seek support in talking therapies.