Staying connected

Whether you are on the frontline, or providing support services you’re part of what keeps communities safe and services running around the clock. It’s important work, at times you can slip out of sync with family and friends, staying connected takes intention.

How to stay connected

Building strong relationships requires effort. Prioritising time with family and friends and creating shared experiences can strengthen relationships and bring a sense of balance to busy lives. It takes some thoughtful planning, and a proactive approach, we have some tips to get you started:

                   
  1. Prioritise quality time

Short, meaningful moments count.

Whether it’s changing your family meal to breakfast rather than dinner so everyone can be present, meeting a friend for a quick 15 minute catch up while waiting for a takeaway coffee, or making a habit to call your friends or family during the commute to catch up.

By having small rituals as anchor points, you can keep connected.

2. Communicate your schedule

Keeping a shared calendar, whether digital or on the fridge is an easy way to stay connected around schedules at home. If you’re a shift worker, having your shifts included so everyone knows when you’ll be home, asleep or available will help kids and partners plan around your energy levels.

Make the most of periods of time where schedules align, simple things like meeting a friend for a walk, making dinner together or enjoying a puzzle or game with your family can be enough to fill everyone’s cup.

   3. Protect couple and family time

Even one uninterrupted hour each week can make a difference. It doesn’t have to be long or expensive either. It could be as simple as a hot chocolate before you drop your kids off at school or enjoying a device free conversation with your partner on the couch.

Dates with your partner don’t need to be an expensive exercise. Valuing your time together can be as simple as going for coffee and a walk when your schedules align, or a “date night in” where you might cook a nice meal and enjoy a movie together. Set the kids up with a takeaway and an early night!

   4. Adapt, don’t replicate

If you’re not home in the evening to tuck the kids in, try recording yourself reading a story every so often so your children can see you and hear your voice before bed. If weekends are workdays, you could plan weekday adventures every so often.

Set yourself some small, medium, and long-term goals. It could be as simple as scheduling weekly coffee dates with your partner, recording those bedtime stories for when you're on night shifts, or planning and saving for a holiday with friends. Having plans (either big or small) gives you something to look forward to and talk about, helping to strengthen your relationships and boost your mental health, especially during those tougher times.

When you adapt rather than replicate traditional routines, you create space for meaningful connection and stronger relationships.

   5. Look after yourself, too

Your exercise, nutrition, and sleep play a crucial role in how you engage with family and friends. When you're feeling drained, take a moment to consider what you need to prioritise to recharge. Whether it's dedicating an hour at the gym each week, taking occasional naps, or preparing meals in advance, focusing on these aspects allows you to care for yourself and strengthen your connections with others.

Seek Support

Having open conversations with those close to you about how you are feeling, and your needs is a great starting point.

Have you heard about the book, ‘It’s just work stuff’, written and illustrated by Tasmanian Police Officer, Stewart Williams?  It’s a great way to connect with your children to help them understand the unique pressures faced working in emergency services.  “It’s not my fault, it’s not their fault, it’s just work stuff.”  Contact Wellbeing Reform regarding access to the book.

MyWellbeing has a range of resources, health screens and coaching services to help you achieve your health and wellbeing goals. Simply log in to access.

If you are feeling isolated, or struggling to juggle family life and work support is available, contact Wellbeing Services on 08 8995 5422.

DO YOU have a tip for staying connected? Tell us about it here and you could WIN! T&C’s apply.

References

https://www.psychology.org.nz/journal-archive/NZJP-Vol391-2010-3-Handy.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2834316/

https://www.aifc.com.au/shift-work-impact-relationships/

https://urplentifultherapy.ca/understanding-the-impact-of-shift-work-on-relationships/