#3 Listen to a friend

Calling on a friend, inviting somebody over or just making a phone call.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is listen to somebody else talk about issues they are dealing with. You don't have to say much, and you don't have to tell them about your own problems, just focus on active listening. Ask questions to help them explain, and repeat things they say to clarify and show that you're taking in what they are saying.

It may help if you can identify with what they are talking about, and you might want to draw on your own experience using the "feel, felt, found" line of communication;

"I understand how you feel - I have felt the same way....(insert a situation from your own experience).... , and here's what I found...(insert what you learned - the insight you want to share)."

If your friend reaches a point where they've identified and described some kind of challenge or problem, simply ask them what they are going to do about it.

Usually they have all the answers they need, they just need somebody to listen. And for you, it's an excellent way of not having to think about your pain for a while.