Week 5: Build Social Support

Plan blocks of time to be with family and friends. Plan moments of closeness with your partner and/or children.

•  Eat meals together.

•  Do physical activities together. Walk after dinner. Go to a park as a couple or as a family.

•  Play board games together.

•  Let your kids know about your job and what you do. Ask them about their day and their interests.

•  Help your kids with their homework. Tuck them into bed.

Stay Connected in the “Real World”

Connect with people in person, by phone, video/web-chat, or other interactive methods. These conversations can be more meaningful and fulfilling than text messages. Texting can be used to ask short questions or to relay simple information. But, texting isn’t talking and does not reveal body language, tone of voice, or emotions very well. Conversations through texts or emails can be misinterpreted. This can cause anxiety, confusion, and loneliness.

•  Have important conversations in person or over the phone.

•  Show affection with your voice and physical actions.

•  Use texts for short information (e.g. confirm that your child is home from school or let your partner know you need something from the store).

Reflect & Review

•  Two ways I plan to strengthen my home team.

•  People who know that I am trying to improve my sleep and ways they support my change.