Nurture relationships
Good, appreciative relationships give us a sense of security, validation, support and direction. After all, there's a reason for the phrase "better together"[NT1] . With friends, you can argue and then make up afterwards. Conversations of a personal nature are treated with confidence. Friends can offer criticism while still accepting you for who you are. Since relationships are always reciprocal, they need to be nurtured. Getting involved in an activity as a group strengthens relationships and has been proven to enhance wellbeing.
What’s your situation?
- Who do you want to spend your free time with, and who would you prefer not to? Who has a good effect on you?
- Does your lifestyle leave you with time for your friends and family?
- When was the last time you got in touch with your best friend?
- When and where did you last meet someone nice? Is there a chance of that happening again?
- In which group do you feel comfortable and valued?
- How can you get involved in your community?
A few ideas:
- Initiate regular activities, such as going bowling with friends on the first Monday of every month, or going to the cinema with a friend every couple of weeks.
- Pick up the phone and call someone you haven't seen for a while.
- Stay in touch with your friends and family via group chats, video calls or messages, and ask how they are doing.
- Write about enjoyable social encounters in your diary.
- If you're thinking something nice about someone, say it out loud.
- Make new contacts by getting involved in a community or trying out a new hobby, for example.
- Think about which of your relatives or neighbours would be grateful for your help.
- Sign up as a volunteer in a community group or at a blood donation service, football club or school function. Your local council or community centre can provide you with information about associations near you. You can also find ads for voluntary work at benevol-jobs.ch.