Make The Time!

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Happy December, Shades Readers!  This month we are focusing on relationships, whether they are work or personal relationships or a mix of both.  Make sure to check us out weekly! 

This week we are going to take a look at balancing our friendships with how demanding life can get. 

Let’s face it, life is really busy and we’re tired.  We know that you are probably tired too.  So you probably dread when friends try to make plans with you and you are probably pretty happy when said plans have to be cancelled or postponed for a number of different reasons – doesn’t really matter what the reason is, right?  You’re just thrilled that your Saturday night can now be about you falling asleep on your couch.  We know the feeling well. 

But let’s think about the flip side which is when you do get together and you have an amazing time.  You probably part ways and think that you don’t get together enough or it was too long in between visits. 

The reality is that modern life is hectic and though we spend a ton of time on social media, many people don’t feel any more connected to their friends or family. 

So we are proposing that you find creative ways to keep in touch.  You can call, do face time or even text someone if getting together is not an immediate option.  Make sure your connections are meaningful ones as those types of interactions will make you feel like you are actually with the person. 

Don’t give pressure and that will help you not to feel pressure – when a friend with whom you haven’t spoken for a while gets in touch, just let them know how great it is to hear from them and spend time catching up rather than criticizing. 

If you do make plans to get together, your meet-ups don’t have to be marathon sessions – you can grab a coffee or a quick bite.  Maybe you can run some errands or go to the gym together.  The point is to find ways to spend time with your friends while keeping up with all of the other things you have to do.   There are so many benefits to these interactions.  It is proven that people who have strong social networks feel more value in their lives which can ward off depression and loneliness, especially as they get older. 

So when you get home tonight, don’t head to the couch to fall asleep just yet.  Call up a friend and catch up.  Your health will thank you.