Be Supportive Even if You’re Not Nearby
If you have a loved one going through a hard time and feel helpless because you can’t be by there side, don’t feel like you can’t provide support. Even from far away, we can make a huge impact on those we love most and serve as a source of strength regardless of geography. No matter the situation, these tips will help you support your friend or family member through their difficult time even if you’re on the other side of the world.
A Token of Condolences
If your friend has lost someone near and dear to them, you might feel like there’s nothing you can do to show your support from far away, but even the smallest gestures can mean the world. If you aren’t able to make it to the funeral, consider having an arrangement hand delivered by ProFlowers or another online retailer. The deceased’s friends and family will appreciate the token of your condolences and you can pay tribute even if distance makes it impossible for you to attend the services.
Schedule Communication
One of the best benefits of constant technological innovation is our ability to communicate freely no matter where we are. Take advantage of the many communication devices at your disposal and schedule talking sessions with your friend. This will give them something to look forward to, and you can still feel connected to them from miles away. Whether it’s Facetime, Skype, or even just supportive texts sent sporadically through the day, letting them know you are there to listen should they need you will speak volumes. Don’t be surprised if they’re not ready to express all of their feelings, but make sure they know the option is there if they so choose.
Send Along Inspiration
Sometimes we can’t come up with the right words to say, but may find inspiration from other sources. Whether it’s a book you think your friend will benefit from, a happy movie that may inspire a smile, or a photo that you feel will bring a bit of brightness back into their day, don’t hesitate to pass it along. Send a nugget of inspiration with the delivery of a book or a video series that will be enlightening, uplifting, and keep them from picking up bad habits.
Feed From Afar
Just because you can’t take them out to dinner or bring over a casserole doesn’t mean you can’t provide food to a loved one going through a hard time. Send them a hearty meal through Door Dash, where you can select their favorite order and have it delivered to their home or office. If you’d rather send along groceries, consider a service like Blue Apron, which will drop off recipe boxes filled with ingredients right to their door each week.
Make Life A Little Easier
It can be hard to keep up with everyday essentials and chores when grieving or upset, so help your friend with things they might not even know they need assistance for. Send in a cleaning crew to their home to make sure they don’t have to worry about picking up. A clear space leads to a clear mind, which is something they can no doubt benefit from during a time of grief.
Don’t Forget the Pets
If your friend is dealing with the death of a loved one or a traumatic event, their animal might need care while they travel to sort out any details, including funeral services and the like. The last thing they need to concern themselves with is what to do with a pet, so contact nearby friends or family that might be willing to watch the pooch or cat for a few days. You can also use a website like Petsitter.com to find a local individual that can come take care of the animals.
A Massage Appointment
This may seem like a strange suggestion, but may be well appreciated. Grief is terrible on the body. You need to be sure that your friend is taking care of themselves, as their own wellbeing is probably the last thing on their mind. Schedule them a massage appointment where they can go to have some of the tension rubbed out of their body. Even the smallest difference can put them on the road to recovering from their grief, and they’ll have a moment away from the world and dealing with the details.