Get Connected on December 28 - National Call a Friend Day

Written By Alisa Hashimoto

by Mikey Jose

Calling all friends - quite literally! 

National Call a Friend Day is just around the corner, and this could be your signal to get in touch with someone you care about. This lesser-known annual day that takes place between Christmas and New Year celebrations began two years ago in an effort to increase feelings of togetherness during a time that may feel more isolating for some. Especially with the impacts of COVID-19, it has become quite clear that social connectedness is so important for mental health and wellness, whether you are an extrovert who seeks social activities or an introvert who chooses to keep social groups small. These small and simple social interactions can help boost self-esteem, confidence and overall well-being1. And it doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to make it happen, especially in an age when there are so many ways to reach out!

Here are eight things you can do to celebrate National Call a Friend day:

  • Go the classic route and call a friend over the phone. Landlines and cell phones will allow you to connect with people near and far. (Just be sure to check any long-distance charges!)

  • If you are up for a safe in-person meet-up and are fully vaccinated, try calling someone and suggesting meeting for a winter walk or coffee chat in a COVID-friendly coffee shop or restaurant. Nothing beats the real thing of face-to-face meet-ups!

  • If you want that face-to-face interaction, but are unable to make your way outside, try using a video-calling application to call a friend, such as FaceTime or zoom.

  • Some of you may prefer expressing your thoughts by writing. If so, how about emailing or snail mailing a postcard/holiday letter to someone you would like to reach out to.

  • It’s always nice to chat with friends and family that you are close with, but sometimes it’s nice to catch up with someone you haven’t gotten in touch with for a while. 

  • Or think about someone who has impacted your life in a positive way in the past; it could be a teacher, a friend who moved away, an old co-worker, etc. They likely remember you too and would love to reconnect!

  • To keep the connection going past this national day, try saving contact information and see if you are able to schedule more regular conversations throughout the year.

  • If you are on social media or can communicate online (Facebook, email, etc.), add someone as a friend or contact so you can stay up to date with them.

Enjoy the conversations, and Happy Holidays!

https://nationaltoday.com/national-call-a-friend-day/

Do you have any tips for improving social connectedness or stories of when you’ve reached out? Be sure to add them in our Comments box below.

References

Domènech-Abella, J., Lara, E., Rubio-Valera, M., Olaya, B., Moneta, M. V., Rico-Uribe, L. A., Ayuso-Mateos, J. L., Mundó, J., & Haro, J. M. (2017). Loneliness and depression in the elderly: the role of social network. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 52(4), 381–390. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-017-1339-3

Alisa Hashimoto
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