How to avoid homesickness: Tips for staying in touch
Although staying in touch with friends and family may seem easier than ever in our media-driven world, some find it hard to actually keep up with people they haven’t seen in a while. Whether it’s class, work or everything in between, it can feel as though you’re way too busy to even send out a text.
Still, it’s often too easy to forget that maintaining healthy and mutually beneficial relationships is necessary to live a well-balanced life. Here are some tips to keep in touch with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while.
Make a Schedule
Nobody can expect you to be available 24/7. By setting a time — whether it be for 5 minutes every day or 5 minutes every week — you can ensure you’re checking up on the people you love while keeping up with your busy schedule (even if that busy schedule is watching Netflix and refreshing the explore page on Instagram). I like to text my mom at least twice a day, just to update her on my life and let her know I’m doing okay. This way, she isn’t crazy worried about me and I’m not worried about letting her know what I’m up to.
Speak to Your Favorites Face-to-Face
What relationships matter the most to you? Maybe talking to your second cousin that you see once a year on holidays every day isn’t the best way to keep in touch with the beneficial relationships in your life. But talking to your childhood best friend that you’ve known all your life? Definitely worth checking up on every now and then. Of course, nothing can really compare to real-life communication with your friends or family. Still, video chatting is as close as you'll get to the real deal. Just a quick FaceTime or Skype call is perfectly adequate to let someone know you love them.
Keep it Light
This may seem silly, but a quick direct message of a post on Twitter or Instagram that reminds you of your family or friend could make their day. It’s cute and hilarious, and when done right, can spark an interesting conversation about almost anything. Ah, a beautiful meme-ship is like no other!
Efficiency is Key
The beauty about texting is that it takes seconds, and could instantly brighten someone’s day. It lets the other person know you’re thinking of them, and who doesn’t love to be the subject of someone’s thoughts? A quick text to your loved ones could seriously brighten their day, and maintain a healthy relationship. Group messages are another great way to keep in touch with people quickly. Want to check in with your family? Do it all at once! Want to say hey to your high school friend group? Send it in a group message! This way you’re making sure to keep up with those good people in your life on a time budget.
The most crucial rule is to remember to put yourself first. Don’t try to take on too much, or try to entertain everyone in your life if you need to take time for yourself. Try to keep in mind that the most important relationship you have in your life is the one you sustain with yourself.
