When a friend is unwell, you want to be there for them. You want to help them feel better.
Right now, it’s more challenging than ever to support friends IRL. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t options to show your support remotely. If someone you care about (near or far!) is under the weather, try a few of these ideas to help them feel better faster.
Send Brodo: A Meal that Helps Us Feel Better
If your friend can’t seem to stomach a full meal, or their go-to comfort foods aren’t quite providing proper nourishment; bone broth will be the ultimate relief. Brodo bone broth is packed with immune-boosting nutrients and key proteins that are easy to digest.
Chicken soup made with bone broth has been a cornerstone of at-home recovery for ages, and for good reason. Bone broth is one of the only real, whole foods that your body can absorb nutrition from quickly—without disrupting your regular digestive flow.
Our founder, Chef Marco Canora, created the ultimate recipe for chicken soup. Make this for a local friend if they’re craving a bit of comfort. And if you can’t show up in person, send ready-to-heat-and-eat Brodo in the mail.
Have a Tea Time
The English were onto something…a simple cup of tea really does go a long way. Lemon, honey and chamomile are all flavors that soothe from the inside out. Why? Citrus is a natural immune-booster, and lemons are an excellent source of Vitamin C. Hot tea can also help to relieve congestion in the nose and sinuses, which can ease headaches and breathing difficulties. Hot liquids in general help us feel better.
If you can’t be there in person to make your friend a cup of tea—order them a grocery delivery with your favorite tea bags, or make a call to their friendly neighborhood barista to deliver a hot prepared drink.
Set Up a Recovery Command Center
Getting well is hard work, and many people need to sleep or rest for much of the day to fast-track recovery. Make it easy for your friend to rest by setting them up with a couch-based command center, i.e. one spot where they can lay back and reach anything they might need within arm’s reach.
Pull in the coffee table, set up baskets and a trash can. Dock a few water bottles, place the remote nearby and pull in a power strip for their phone or laptop. They’ll be ready for just about anything from their little oasis.
Take Advantage of Video Chat
When people are not feeling well, they often need company most of all. One of the best things you can do for a friend in need is help them feel connected. Utilize video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Google Meets, and spend some time in a virtual hang out.
Sync up a movie marathon, listen to your Spotify podcast together. Share a virtual toast with a hot mug of Brodo. Try to engage your friend in easy, mindless tasks that they might have otherwise done with you in person.
Send a Silly Note
Laughter really can be the best medicine.
When you’re sick, you often need a little mental pick-me-up to get you through the long days of recovery. Text your friend a joke every so often to lighten their mood. Or, dig around for the funniest memes you can find and forward them along.
Ask How They’re Feeling
The most important way to show up for a friend in need is to simply be there. Whether remote or in person, leave the lines of communication between you and your friend open.
Ask how they’re doing. Text them a smiley face emoji and let them know you’re thinking of them. Or maybe send some good old snail mail with a “get well soon” note. Just being there reminds your friend that they are loved.
