Well hello there lovely readers, how are you coping as the world continues to grapple with these extraordinary times? I’m loving the more relaxed pace of working from home and, when not hanging out with the silver fox, am perfectly comfortable with my own company. Not everyone feels the same. If you have a friend who might be struggling during these times, I’m resharing a post filled with handy ideas that may just lift his/her spirits. Some of them easy depending on the level of isolation, others to be popped in the back pocket, and delivered when restrictions ease. 

1 Create a Playlist

Some time ago a darling friend of mine lost her battle against cancer, but not before putting up an epic battle, supported by a compilation of songs ranging from angry kick-ass anthems to meaningful, laid-back ballads. Garnering suggestions from her friends, my little double CD (pre-Spotify) touched her in ways words couldn’t. Putting your thoughts into words is tough so why not say it with a meaningful song, or better yet, a thoughtful playlist? Easy to create on Spotify or your preferred music service and the link shared. It can be angry, cheerful, or nostalgic — whatever your bud needs to get her through a tough time.

2 Send a handwritten letter 

The art of physical writing has been making a big come back! If words come easily, why not select a batch of looseleaf paper or beautiful stationery and jot those thoughts down? The important thing is that it puts a smile on your friend’s face and lets her know you’re thinking of her.

3 Drop a “Flower Bomb”  

One bouquet of flowers is sweet, filling your friend’s living room with more beautiful blooms than she can count is awesome. Search for wholesale flower markets in your neighbourhood and grab big bunches of her favourite blooms (securing support from fellow buddies if the costs are beyond budget) then see if you can sneak in and bombard her living space with vessels full of blooms.

4 Create a photo book

A friend of mine unexpectedly lost her dog a few years ago and another friend of ours put together a sweet photo book for her, filled with pictures of her with her fur baby. Such a simple and special way to help her through the situation and she loved it.

5 Have a staycation together 

Depending on your restrictions, grab her fave takeout, magazines, pamper kit including nail care and cosmetic face masks, a snazzy set of jimjams rock up to her door, and declare you’ve no intention of leaving anytime soon. She’ll be so glad to have someone to kick back and relax with.

6 Help out with chores and errands  

A load of laundry, a supermarket run, or just tidying up around the house can offer a lot of relief to someone who’s depressed, grieving, or generally feeling overwhelmed. She may not express it overtly, but I suspect she’ll be eternally grateful.

7 Deliver a home-cooked meal

If time prevents the opportunity to help out in the home, why not put your love for your friend into a hearty meal that’ll nourish her body and soul? Push to shove, show up with her favourite takeout, and treat her to a lounge floor picnic.

8 Surprise her with an outing 

You know she’s likely to say she’d rather stay in, however, an impromptu movie, walk in the park, picnic or dinner date might be exactly what the doctor ordered. Show up at her door and don’t take no for an answer!

9 Book a day spa for two

Soother her soul with a mani, a pedi, facial, massage – whatever takes her fancy – after all, who doesn’t love a spot of pampering in a calming environment while sipping a virtuous green tea followed by champagne, tiny cucumber sandwiches, and chocolate-dipped strawberries?

10 Pick up the phone 

I know this is obvious, yet in a world of “likes” and emojis, it feels like we’ve forgotten how much more intimate it is to make a phone call. Hearing your voice and getting carried away in a 30-minute conversation can make all the difference in the world to someone who’s down in the dumps.

Oh! And a word of note. If your bud has lost a particularly close loved one, make a note to call or be with her 30 days after her loss. It’s likely her family, friends, and support will have returned to their own lives at that time and, according to research, this is the time she will need you the most. Works equally well for both boy and girl buddies.

Have a great idea to share? Pop it in the comments box. Meanwhile, stay safe and well lovely people.