Being physically present is not the same thing as spending quality time. It’s important to devote time exclusively to your loved ones.
Consider these strategies for staying connected with family:
- Plan weekly quality time, such as a game or movie night, turning off all notifications.
- Establish clear boundaries to help maintain work-life balance.
- Prioritize sitting down to meals together.
- Schedule downtime to decompress and reconnect.
Work and family commitments take up time and social connections tend to take a back seat. Keeping cherished friends doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. If there are certain times when you are less available, giving friends a heads up can minimize conflicts when someone feels left out or ignored. A couple ideas include:
- Avoid blow-offs. “I’m too busy” can be misinterpreted as not wanting to spend time. Be clear about your busyness and offer another way to connect at some point.
- Small gestures go a long way. Make a phone call or send a text to ask others about their day and let them know you are thinking about them.
Remember, healthy and long lasting relationships need nurturing.