Quality Time

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.