Lend an Ear

Quick Win

Being a good listener may sound easy, but it’s a skill! Being there for others feels good and can help to deepen your relationships.

Try This Today

1. Reach out. Call a friend or family member who is going through a hard time or may be feeling lonely.
   
2. Focus on listening. Resist the urge to offer advice or compare the person’s experience to yours; it’s the listening that matters.
   
3. Be a mirror. Don’t worry about saying just the right thing or solving the person’s problem. Instead, echo what the person is saying, with empathy and support. 

Why

Being there for someone is an act of kindness that may enhance your own happiness, research suggests. Your loved one stands to benefit, too, of course. In fact, a study of more than 2,000 older adults published in JAMA Network Open in 2021 underscores the health benefits of social support. Participants who had supportive listeners in their life appeared to be more protected against cognitive decline.