Perform Small Acts of Kindness
Sometimes, the best way to show someone you care about them isn’t with grand gestures or gifts. Make a resolution to perform a small act of kindness at a regular cadence, like once a week, for different friends or family members. Send them a sweet note in the mail, pay them a kind compliment or offer to lend a hand with a tough task. These small gestures show loved ones you’re thinking of them and hoping to make their day just a little bit brighter!
Listen, Listen, Listen
Maybe you kept up communication with your loved ones throughout 2020, but still feel as though some of your relationships aren’t as strong as they used to be. If this is the case, it could be that, while your communication efforts were there, your efforts to listen and respond weren’t. In 2021, set a resolution to be a better listener to your friends and family. When you speak, whether it’s through technology or in person, make sure you’re not distracted by other things. Listen, ask questions, and don’t forget to follow up on important conversations like personal struggles or exciting new endeavors—this can make your loved ones feel respected and heard, two things that are important for any strong relationship.
Make Me-Time
It can be easy to forget, but one of the most important relationships we have is the one with ourselves! In 2020, if you let self-care fall to the wayside, make a resolution in 2021 to do the opposite. Prioritize self-care in a way that reflects your interests and needs and set aside the time to actually carry these actions out. Start by practicing small, but still important, habits, like implementing a healthy diet and getting a full night’s sleep. Once you’re regularly incorporating those habits into your routine, consider adding a relaxing new hobby or activity to your day. The best thing about self-care is that it’s truly all about you, so work on finding a combination of activities that works best for your health and overall well-being.
Resolve to Volunteer
One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.
Over 90 percent of the American Red Cross workforce are volunteers, their shared experiences often make them into fast and lifelong friends. This year, consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Your support makes our humanitarian mission possible. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions with COVID-19 safety precautions in place:
- Blood transportation specialists: Blood donations are essential to the health of our communities and although the Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming doesn’t collect blood, we supply blood to many hospitals in the region. We have a high priority need for transportation specialists to help deliver blood to local hospitals.
- Disaster Action Team: Every day people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters. Join the team that responds to more than 60,000 emergencies every year — the vast majority of which are home fires. Our volunteers help families with their immediate needs, ensuring they don’t face tough times alone. If you are team-oriented and want to make a difference, please consider joining the Disaster Action Team and apply now. We supply all the training you need.
- Volunteer from home (other virtual positions): Help from the comfort of your own home through a wide range of virtual opportunities. Learn more.
Good relationships help make great memories, get through difficult times, and are even important to your health! This year, choose resolutions that encourage strong, healthy relationships and you’ll set yourself up for a great 2021!
Sources: The Loop and American Red Cross