I recently had a mom friend whose kid died. And I know that she’s having a hard time. And when someone we know is having a hard time, we want to give them our support and express our care for them. However, it isn’t easy to know how we can help in a way that’s both thoughtful and respectful of their circumstances. I can’t begin to understand or know what she’s going through and sometimes saying “Laban lang” is a bit off.
Despite this, research suggests that we may be able to ease their stress by reaching out and providing them with emotional support.
How can you be there for someone you care about if they’re going through a tough time? If you’re like me who abhor empty talks, I want to help with ways that lets them know Im there without necessarily trying to talk about what they’re going through. So I searched online to find out how people might show up for someone in their lives in small but meaningful ways.
Check out these ideas for someone you know and let me know how it worked out!
Having a home-cooked meal delivered.
Home-cooked meals are beneficial for the body and soul of patients recovering from surgery or illnesses. It’s simple for me to make some food and drop it off. You can typically add several different proteins, straightforward pasta and bread, garlic mashed potatoes (they make everything better!), a salad or veggies, and a few sweet items.
Dallas, TX—Karen C., PR, marketing, and philanthropy consultancy, is what I do.
Leave a care package.
It’s rewarding to show people that you care about them if they’re going through a difficult time. Sometimes, a home-cooked meal, a batch of my delicious chocolate chip cookies, or a card letting them know I care are among the items in my care package. Other times, bright colored flowers or bath salts are included, along with a hand-written note to let them know that you care about them and care about them.
Pick up dinner ingredients.
Some people help a pal through a rough patch by bringing over dinner ingredients. Nothing cures a lousy day like a little comfort food, particularly when you’re stirring down a pot of tomato sauce, cooking adobo, or any other activity that takes your mind off of your troubles. When the situation is serious, taking someone away from their surroundings, allowing them to vent, or simply sitting and sipping a decent wine in silence and letting them know I’m there has often mended broken hearts or eased anxious circumstances.
Offer to babysit children.
Mommy groups recommends making a real difference by doing something significant. Don’t just tell someone you are thinking about him or her, but instead show up in real life. You may arrange for a day to babysit their child. Mental health professionals advise people to do the same. People really do remember and appreciate the supportive actions.
Offer to take care of the dog.
Walking a dog for a loved one or friend is one way to demonstrate care when they are experiencing a difficult time. My friends usually walk their dogs when they are undergoing a tough time, but when they don’t, I usually go over and walk them. This alleviates the burden of a duty from my friend’s shoulders, allowing them to concentrate on taking care of themselves. It makes me happy, too, as I enjoy walking and playing with dogs.
Just listening takes time.
I often believe that I don’t have the right words or advice to offer to friends facing difficulties or challenges, but as as a friend we can strengthen our connections by simply listening to them. Listening with compassion, without distractions, and with our total attention is a surprisingly simple yet not always easy procedure that can greatly improve our connections with others. You don’t have to have the perfect words or words of encouragement; all you need to do is put aside your own issues and really listen. Simply showing up and listening without judgment is the best gift you can give to someone you care about.
It is important to let people know how you plan to assist them.
A person facing difficulty frequently experiences decision fatigue, which makes it very difficult to make decisions. Instead of asking what you can do for them, tell them what you plan to do. You can support someone in a difficult time by telling them what specific action you will take in lieu of asking what you can do for them. In the past, I have helped mom friends by taking them out for coffee while their home is being cleaned. Assistance at a time like this is particularly helpful and provides mental relief as well as tangible support.
