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Blog: Tips & Tools for Human Flourishing

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The Critical Importance Of Human Support During Global Times Of Fear And Uncertainty

1/20/2021

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By Chou Hallegra, MA, CFTP, CCFP, CGCS
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Most of us have that one person we can always count on. You call them up when you’re nervous about a job interview, frustrated with a family member, or even grieving the loss of a loved one. They always seem to know the right thing to say to make you feel a little better about the situation, a little more confident in yourself, and a little less lost in your sadness.
 
But now we’re facing a global crisis unlike any we’ve ever seen before. When anxiety spikes, many respond by pulling away from friends and family. But now, more than ever, we need to keep the people we love close.
 
Why? You ask…

 
Why Do We Need Human Support and Connection?
 

Our friends, whether they are connected with us through work, family, or hobbies, they bring a huge impact on our lives.
 
How does the relationship with your friends benefit you?
 
A good friend…
 
•        Lessens your stress .
•        Makes you happier.
•        Makes you feel more confident.
•        Gives you a sense of belonging.
•        Helps you deal with the challenges you face.
•        Helps you quit or avoid unhealthy habits.
•        Reduces your risk of major health problems.

Good friends are good medicine!
Not only do they improve your mental health, they also improve your physical health. With the anxiety about the pandemic, we need all the help we can get to stay happy and healthy.
 

Where can we find good friends?
 
You probably have more connections to potential friends than you think you do. At work, at play, when volunteering, or at community events, you can find people who can be good friends. There is a potential danger, though. While making friendships and building relationships with others are positive ways to enrich your character, doing so with toxic people can rob you of joy and, most probably, including good health.
 
A great friend…
 
•      Likes you for who you are.
•      Is genuinely interested in your thoughts and feelings.
•      Feels comfortable opening up to.
•      Is supportive, respectful, and trustworthy.
•      Makes you feel safe, happy, and comfortable when you spend time with them.
 
With a network of friends that meet these standards, you can face almost any challenge, including a global pandemic.

 
How To Maintain Friendships While "Physically" Distancing?
 
Although physically distancing may seem like the enemy to making and maintaining solid friendships, there are ways to work around this challenge. Regular communication, time and again, is vital in any relationship. Here are some creative ways to keep in touch while staying safe and healthy.
 
•      Video chats;
•      Phone calls;
•      Writing a letter or card;
•      Sending a thoughtful gift in the mail.
•      Playing online games with them.
 
Many have been using video calling apps to take a coffee break together, cook together, and even take a gym class together. Modern technology has allowed us to do all this and more with our friends while maintaining a safe distance.
 
Don’t let social distancing be the reason you miss out on all the benefits of having good friends. With just a little effort, you can keep your friendships strong, and even make some new ones.

 
How I Can Be a Good Friend to Others?
 
To make great friendships, we need to know how to be a good friend ourselves. Here are a few things we can do to be the kind of person that attracts good friends.
  • Be a good listener! This is one of the most important parts of being a good friend. People can tell when you’re giving them your full attention and are listening compassionately. It will make them feel appreciated.
  • Open up. It can be challenging to share our feelings with others. But opening up to your friends shows that you trust them and you want to connect with them.
  • Make time for them. Good friendships take time and work to build, but they’re worth the effort. If you make time for your friends, they’ll know that they’re important to you. And they’ll make time for you, too.
 
When you’re anxiety is overwhelming, a good friend can be like a shelter in a storm.
The storm of challenges that you’re facing might not go away, but a good friend for sure will make it bearable. Their support will lessen the frustrations and anxiety your are feeling right now and encourage you to deal with this difficult worldwide scare in a healthy way.
 
Now is the time to lean on your good friends and let them lean back on you, too.
Watch this Video
5 Reasons Why You Need to Stay Socially Connected While Being Physically Distant Because of COVID-19

Do you feel like anxiety is getting the best of you?

We know how it feels to be overwhelmed by life. That’s why I offer a safe space for people who need someone to talk to, someone who will listen and help them find their way again. My goal is to help my clients find peace in their lives through counseling and coaching sessions that are tailored to each individual's needs.

You deserve more than just an average life coach - you deserve someone who will walk with you on your journey to emotional wellness! Allow me to be there for you when things get tough and let us show you what true happiness looks like.


Click the free consultation box below!
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Book features this week: 
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Related Blog Posts
  • How to Prevent Getting Depressed During Times Of Fear & Uncertainty
  • Coping Within a Crisis
  • Healthy Distractions for Mental Peace During Times of Distress
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  • Home
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