33 Actionable Ideas to Connect
You’re minding your own business when you hear…
“May I sit with you?”
Someone stops your day to connect.
In that moment, you have a decision to make… 👇🏼
A while back, my wife and kids were at our local coffee shop when an elderly neighbour of ours came in and asked this question. My wife, Hannah, was a little surprised. Our kids are loud and chaotic, so we often have a sea of empty tables around us.
Nevertheless, Hannah was pleased for some grown-up company.
As they chatted over coffee it emerged that this 90-year-old lady was quite lonely. The burden of sick family members lay heavy on her shoulders. She started to well up as she shared. Hannah gave her a hug and listened. Soon enough the kids were showing off their toys which, in turn, lifted her spirits.
When it was time to leave Hannah thanked our neighbour for joining them.
She responded, “My dear, you have been a lifeline to me this morning.”
Why not try and connect with someone today?
Whether you feel alone or not, when we relate to one another, we both receive something essential for our well-being: connection. It doesn’t have to look like tears and laughter. It could be a very small, simple moment. But often enough, that is enough to matter.
Show the world that somebody cares.
I hope you get to connect with someone around you today.
Need some examples? I’ve written 33 actionable ideas to put this idea into practice below.
What works for you?
33 Actionable Ideas to Connect
Here are 33 actionable ideas to put this idea into practice and start connecting with others today. Remember to look out for those who are overwhelmed, stressed, or overlooked.
Small Acts of Connection
1. Greet Neighbours: Smile and say hello to your neighbours whenever you see them.
2. Compliment Someone: Give a genuine compliment when you notice something different about them.
3. Chat with the Cashier: Engage in a short, friendly conversation with the cashier at your local shop.
4. Send a Postcard: Write and send a postcard to a friend or family member.
5. Write an Encouraging Post-It Note: Leave something fun or kind for someone else to find later.
6. Offer a Lift: Especially if it’s raining, offer a lift to a neighbour or colleague who might need it.
7. Share Your Umbrella: Or offer to share your umbrella with someone caught in the rain.
8. Share a Meal: Invite someone over for a meal or a cup of tea.
9. Bring in the Biscuits: Bring a packet of biscuits to share with colleagues at work.
Volunteering
10. Assist at a Care Home: Volunteer at a care home to spend time with the elderly.
11. Join a Mentoring Programme: Become a mentor for young people in your area.
12. Volunteer at a Library: Ask if they need any help at your local library.
13. Support a Local School: Volunteer to help at school events.
Acts of Kindness
14. Deliver Groceries: Help an elderly neighbour with their shopping.
15. Bake for Others: Bake sweet treats and share them with your neighbours. At least attempt to not eat the whole tray of brownies by yourself.
16. Walk a Dog: Walk a neighbour’s dog if they are unable to. The dog will certainly be glad of your connection.
17. Share Plants: Give away some of your garden plants or produce.
Building Relationships
18. Share Lunch: Ask to share a table with someone sitting by themselves at lunch.
19. Host a Tea Party: Organise a tea party for your neighbours.
20. Host a Book Club: Same deal. Keep the tea but add a book. Or participate in a local book club.
21. Arrange Playdates: Set up playdates with other parents.
22. Attend Local Workshops: Join local workshops or classes to meet new people.
23. Go on Group Walks: Join a local walking group or organise one.
24. Play Sports: Join a local sports team or fitness class.
25. Share Hobbies: Find others who share your hobbies and organise get-togethers. Board games, chess, cycling, baking, photography, etc.
26. Host a BBQ: Invite neighbours and friends over for a summer barbecue in the garden.
Supporting Mental Health & Wellbeing
27. Listen Actively: Offer a listening ear to someone who needs to talk.
28. Encourage Self-Care: Promote self-care practices among your friends.
29. Keep Someone Company: Go with someone to their appointments if they seem isolated.
30. Check In Regularly: Regularly check in on friends or family members who seem lonely.
31. Practice Empathy: Show empathy and understanding in your daily interactions.
32. Create A Welcoming Place: Make your home an open door for friends and neighbours to drop in anytime.
33. Promote Helplines: Make others aware of mental health helplines and resources available.
You made it to the end!
You might also like my monthly email, Mind Shift Forum.
This article was adapted from one of those emails. Every calendar year, we pick a theme (hope, culture, networking, etc.) and each month there’s one email on one element of that theme — with the goal of improving our mindset or habits. Check it out!
How can I help?
Every single staff member needs basic mental health training (1 hour) → Mentality
1 in 10 staff need advanced mental health training (2 days) → MHFA Courses
All managers need mental health frameworks for today (half day) → The Managers Course
Every executive needs a culture of wellbeing in their business strategy → Register interest
Get your team engaged, energised, and talking (90 minutes) → Book Peter to speak
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