Texts: Send these to friends to cope up with stress

It's so easy to send memes, make jokes, and talk about absolutely nothing via text. But when it comes to to texting  friend to check in on them, finding the right words can ne tough. if a friend is struggling with mental health, you might worry about saying the wrong thing, hurting their feelings, or worse. and yet it is advised to reach out anyway, especially if you haven't heard from them in a while. 

That doesn't necessarily mean straight up asking about their anxiety or depression. If you know they're going through a tough time, all you really need to do is make contact. Sometimes sending an "I'm thinking of you" text is a great place to start as it'll brighten their day and help them feel less alone.

Just don't expect a lively conversation or a response right away. "Your friend may not be ready to talk," and that's OK. If they know you are there consistently — in an open-minded and non-judgmental way — it really can mean the world.

Here, a few more ways to check in on a friend so that they know you always have their back.

"I know you said you're not ready to talk. But I'm here when you are"

This is the perfect text to send when a friend is being a bit distant or taking time to focus on themselves. They'll find comfort in the fact they can dip out of their social life for a while, and still have you when they come back.

But this is one to send to a friend who's pushing people away, as well, perhaps due to a mental health condition. Don't cross their boundaries but go ahead and wedge yourself into their life just a little bit, so they know they're not alone.

"Hey, I'm stopping by the grocery store, let me know if you need anything"

"Often those with mental health conditions struggle with maintaining their daily functioning," so if you know your friend isn't doing the best, go ahead and offer a hand.

This text is also a slick way to gauge how they've been feeling. If they confirm they need help buying groceries, that's when you follow up and get more info, to make sure they're OK.

"Wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you!"

If you've ever struggled with your mental health, then you know how isolating it can be. "This text is an affirming one that reminds the friend that they are not alone,". It's so simple, yet so effective.

"Hi, I saw this and immediately thought of you :) How've you been?"

If you happen to see or hear something that reminds you of the friend in question — like their favourite song or movie — text them immediately and let them know. Then ask how they are.

This text will bring back a positive memory for your friend, which might perk them up a little. It also creates space for a longer convo, if they're up for it.

"Get ready, we're going for a walk."

"Your friend may not be motivated to get dressed and go out when feeling stressed or overwhelmed," but a little push like this one can make all the difference.

The process of getting dressed and following through with plans, however small, can change someone's mindset and set them up for similar positive behaviours in the future.

""No need to respond, but just wanted to say hey!"

It's not uncommon for folks struggling with their mental health to not have the energy or clarity of mind to respond to texts.

They also often feel guilty or stressed when messages pile up, which is why it's super cool to start a text by reminding them that's OK. Simply say hi and let them know they can write back whenever.

"I saw you posted on Instagram and wanted to make sure you're OK."

If you notice something out of the ordinary — like a post on social media that has negative undertones — take that as your cue to reach out.

Even though it might feel awkward, because talking about feelings can be awkward sometimes, your friend will appreciate it. Texting a friend who you know is struggling will make them feel thought of, cared about, and loved. Fight past the awkwardness and send that text!

"Hey, just wanted to hear more about what's been going on."

If you ask a friend if they're OK or if they feel sad, they can easily write back with a one-word response — and that'll be the end of the conversation.

But if you get into the habit of asking things like "What's been going on?" or "How have you been feeling?", it can help your friend open up a little more.

They might benefit from discussing their feelings, and you'll benefit from getting more info, so you can figure out more ways to support them.

 

  

Why I am happier without a smartphone

I'm watching a young guy absent-mindedly spinning his iPhone between his thumb and index finger. He reminds me of me. Me when I used to have a smartphone. But a week after after replacing it with a dumbphone (it wasn’t an intentional move though), I can finally see them for what they really are. Toys at best; tools for social media companies to sell your attention at worst.

You point your finger and laugh. Why would you use a dumbphone? Well, I got fed up with smartphones. I got sick of replacing broken screens, running out of battery, fixing broken screen guards and having them stolen. And this time it just went blank in my hands while in use (frustrating) giving me no time to retrieve the data. Also, I wanted to know if I would miss my smartphone. After all, we can't live without them, right?

No, wrong. Totally wrong. I don't miss my smartphone in the slightest. I'm still chugging along without my smartphone over here. Actually, I wouldn't describe it that way. Thriving without my smartphone is a better way to put it. I kind of feel like I've discovered the secret to living a more fulfilling life. Are you ready for it? Be less connected to social media! At least that's what is working for me. I feel like I'm even less accessible to the world now and I love it. Another plus is that I have more time on my hands. I still check Instagram on my old i-phone (4s with minimum space i.e. just 9 GB), but I check it much less often. I've become more deliberate with how I spend my time online, and that has made such a difference. No more mindlessly scrolling. I am more content, more involved in what is happening in my home, and less hurried. Honestly, I haven't come across one negative since I made the switch or have been forced to by the act of GOD!

In fact, I'd say that life is better without it. Let's take a look at why. Here is what I used to do with my smartphone.

1. Chat with my imaginary friends.

I've never been a heavy chat user, but I was just getting into WhatsApp. How am I going to stay connected with those who prefer WhatsApp to anything else? I wondered.

Well, I found a solution for that too. I DON'T.

WhatsApp is an annoying waste of time. Having to send text messages instead of chat is a good way to filter out noise. Then there's making phone calls. Remember when people used to do that?

Having an email on your phone is a great way to keep you working around the clock, but that's not what I'm aiming for. Then there's Facebook, I guess. But that will have to wait for another day or for the time when I access it on my desktop / laptop.

2. Camera

Something that I really love is that my life is now being documented with high-resolution digital photos (credit goes to the high end phones of my friends) instead of blurry, low-def cell snaps with my earlier phone. If I’d had a smartphone, I probably would have sent it to the people using WhatsApp  or would have posted the photo on Instagram immediately after clicking it (which I am doing now with patience and ease) and then checked it a million times to see who liked it. 

But you know what? No one cares how I were matching my saree on a working day, where am I visiting when I am with my husband, or whom I am clicking the pictures with; except me! So posting it to a social media account, by keeping your all other works pending, felt pretty silly once I thought about it.

3. Demonstrate my social status.

Smartphones are a status symbol. Let's face it. If you want to be cool, you have to have an iPhone 7 or 7+. Apple's marketing department decrees it so. What sort of self-respecting hipster would use anything else? 

But ironically, I wasn’t using it earlier also, nor am I using it now. Although given an opportunity, I still want to have it (who doesn’t want a social status) but without the WhatsApp and facebook installed in it.

4. Make phone calls.

My dumbphone can do that too and it does it with much more efficiency and ease, because the entire battery is not drained out of your cell phone when you need it the most.

That's it. If you are tempted to give up your smartphone, even the tiniest bit, I say go for it. You can always switch back if you need to. I don't think you'll regret giving it a try. At least I can't find a good reason to buy another smartphone right now.

Surely not.

But I don't mind receiving one as a gift :)