Staying in Touch with Family and Friends: Simple Ideas
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Small steps can help you stay connected with the people who matter to you. This guide offers gentle ideas for reaching out, sharing time and building supportive relationships.
Small steps to reach out
Small acts to build social connections can make a difference. You do not need to do anything grand.
There is power in a simple check-in with a friend, letting them know you are thinking about them. It also helps to make time in your routine to contact others who care about you.
- Send a simple check-in to a friend to say you are thinking about them.
- Make time in your routine to contact people who care about you.
- Reach out to different people to create a broad network of support.
Spending time together
Try to spend more quality time with family and friends. You can share things you are already doing, such as exercising or cooking, with others.
Do not let screen time distract you from connecting with people in person. Joining a group with shared interests can create a sense of belonging.
- Share an activity you already do, such as cooking, with someone.
- Express gratitude to others.
Building strong, supportive bonds
Aim to build high-quality, strong, meaningful social connections. Stable and supportive relationships give the support needed to cope with stressful life challenges.
Take steps to address conflict or negative feelings when they arise. Reach out for help even when it is hard to ask for it, and provide support to others who need help.
This is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. For your own situation, talk to a doctor or another qualified professional. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Where to get help
United States
- Eldercare Locator — Care and support services · Phone: 1-800-677-1116
Australia
- My Aged Care — Care and support services
Sources
- Improving Social Connectedness — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), retrieved October 18, 2026
- Social Connection — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), retrieved October 18, 2026