We all need to have the proper support system in place. I don’t care how independent you think you might be, you still need the support of solid, positive people. People you know you can count on. But what does that support system look like?

Put Appropriate Supports In Place To Help You.

Everyone needs four types of positive support in our lives. It’s amazing how much better we feel, mentally and physically, when we have the right positive support system in place. We act more confidently as we know we have people we can call on and rely on when the need arises. We feel less isolated and lonely also. it can reduce our risk of depression and anxiety and lessens our stress levels.  But where do these four types of positive supports come from?

The four types of positive supports we need in our support system come from a varied of sources. These can be categorized into the following: informational, emotional, social and tangible supports. Even knowing who to call in from these categories in an emergency can be life saving. But what type of people make up these support categories?

Who Are The People That Fit Into These Four Categories?

Informational Supporters:

This is where we get help in the form of information and advice that will help us solve problems and challenges. Or help in getting access to informational resources. Family and friends can help us here but so can professionals such as Citizen Advice, MABS, GP/doctors, specialists, teachers, etc.

Emotional Supporters:

This is having someone to listen and talk things through with, it can be a friend or trusted family member. At other times it can also be a therapist or doctor. These people help us manage emotions, stress, anxiety and depression, etc.

Social Supporters:

This is a basic need which gives us feeling of belonging, security, love and connection. It may come from family, friends, partner, church, support groups in the community.

Tangible Supporters:

This includes help with physical problems and financial assistance/advice. This can be practical ways family and friends can help us, such as with babysitting, help getting to work/school/college, help around the house, etc.

Having the right supports and information in place can save us time and reduce our stress levels. With the right support in place we already know where, how and who you can get help from in a crisis or on a day to day level. So keep a list of people you can count on handy. But make sure all the people on this list are positive for you to interact with. Once this is set up it can free up your time to spend on some self-care, make social connections and reduce your stress. While also building your positive support system along the way.

My Book.

In my book, The Building Blocks Of Self-Care, I provide easy and quick strategies to get you back feeling rebalanced and more focus in your life. The book also includes all the worksheets you need to take you step by step through the process. You can purchase it on Amazon or through my website.