The Importance of Friendships: How to Maintain Connection with Long-Distance Besties
Friendships are essential for our mental well-being!
Research consistently shows us that friendships reduce stress, increase a sense of belonging, and even contribute to a longer, happier life. This blog will share some creative ways to nurture these valuable connections- whether friends live in the town over or miles apart.
Creative Ways to Stay Connected with Long-Distance Friends
In today's digital age, staying close to long-distance friends requires creativity and intention. Whether it's starting your day with a virtual coffee chat or sharing a collaborative playlist, these actions go beyond distance to build closeness and happiness. Each interaction adds to the fabric of friendship, weaving memories that endure despite being far apart! As someone passionate about human connection, I believe nurturing these relationships isn't just about closing the gap; it's about celebrating the beauty of friendship- yes, the best ship we sail in life's journey!
8 Creative Ways to Stay Connected with Long-Distance Friends:
Morning Catch-up with Cappuccino App: Start your day with a virtual coffee date using apps like Cappuccino. Share your morning thoughts, plans, or just catch up on daily life as if you were together at a cozy cafe. This ritual adds warmth to your mornings and keeps the bond strong despite the miles.
Shared Journal Sketchbook: Create a shared journal or sketchbook that travels between you and your friend. Each of you adds drawings, thoughts, or reflections before sending it back. It's a tangible way to exchange creativity, memories, and emotions, fostering deeper connection through art and personal expression.
Video Call Rituals: Set up regular video call rituals, whether weekly or monthly. Having a scheduled time to chat face-to-face helps maintain closeness and ensures you stay updated on each other's lives, no matter where you are in the world.
Meet in the Middle for a Virtual Brunch/Lunch Date: Plan virtual brunch or lunch dates where you both prepare a meal and eat together over a video call. It's a delightful way to share a mealtime experience, reminisce about favorite foods, and create new memories together, despite the distance.
Collaborative Playlists or Netflix Watch Parties: Co-create playlists on Spotify or enjoy synchronized movie nights on Netflix using watch party extensions. Sharing music or watching films together allows you to discover new favorites and discuss them, bridging the gap between you and your friend's tastes.
Virtual Game Nights: Host virtual game nights with multiplayer online games or classic board games adapted for digital platforms. Compete, collaborate, and laugh together, fostering friendly competition and shared experiences that strengthen your bond.
Start a Virtual Book or Podcast Club: Initiate a virtual book club or podcast club where you take turns selecting books to read or podcasts to listen to. Discussing ideas, themes, and characters deepens your intellectual connection and sparks engaging conversations.
Digital Scrapbook or Shared Photo Album: Create a digital scrapbook or shared photo album where you both upload photos daily that remind you of each other or special memories. Adding captions or notes enhances the storytelling aspect, preserving your friendship's history in a visual and heartfelt way.
Bringing Up Friendship in Therapy
In therapy, while we often focus on discussing romantic relationships, marriage, family dynamics, and interactions with coworkers, it's equally crucial to reflect on the health of our friendships and social circles. Friendships can evolve over time, experiencing ebbs and flows that impact our well-being. It's important to give yourself permission to explore who you've been missing and how you can nurture those connections with quality time together. Just as we prioritize other relationships in therapy, understanding and enhancing our friendships can significantly contribute to our overall emotional health and sense of belonging.
Friendship: The Best Ship
In conclusion, friendships are more than just companionship; they are lifelines that ‘buoy’ us through life's challenges. As humans, we crave genuine connections! It’s in our nature. These creative ways to stay connected not only bridge the physical distance but also nourish our souls with shared experiences, laughter, and support. Whether your besties live down the street or miles away, let's cherish and cultivate these friendships because, in the end, they truly make life richer and more meaningful.
In each session, I prioritize creating a trusting and non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring even the most unsettling aspects of their dreams. Together, we unravel the meanings behind dream symbols and emotions, respecting each client’s unique perspective and interpretations.
Art Journal Prompt
To take this a step further, break out that journal of yours and take some time to reflect on the meaningful friendships of your life. Consider the following questions for inspiration:
What Do You Look for in a Friend?: Reflect on the qualities and characteristics that you value most in a friend. What traits do you appreciate and seek out in those closest to you?
Which Friends Are You Missing the Most Right Now?: Think about the friends who have been on your mind recently. What makes their presence in your life significant? How do they contribute to your well-being?
Inspiration from the 8 Ways to Stay Connected: Review the list of creative ways to stay connected with long-distance friends (morning catch-up, shared journal sketchbook, video call rituals, etc.). Which of these ideas resonate with you the most? Are there any you would like to try out soon?
Who Do You Want to Spark Up a Conversation With?: Identify a friend with whom you'd like to reconnect or deepen your connection. What topics or shared interests could spark meaningful conversations or activities?
These prompts and ideas are meant to spark reflection, conversation, and connection to your values. As always, take what you want and leave behind what you don’t need!
Wanting more support with your mental health journey? Please reach out to Labyrinth Art and Wellness located in Baltimore County, Maryland. Kristy Leone, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC specializes in helping overthinkers by day and nocturnals by night. You don't have to face challenges alone - help is here for you when you need it! Head on over to my Art Therapy and my Walk-and-Talk Therapy webpage! Ready to learn more about how to begin art therapy? Fill out my contact form here!
