The Value of Conversation

On Brew Monday, Samaritans encourage us all to put the kettle on and make time for conversation. This may sound like an indulgence, something that you haven’t time for with so many other, more pressing demands. I’d like to share why this could be the most important thing on your ‘to-do’ list.

Make Time to Reconnect

Who doesn’t enjoy a catch-up with good friends, trusted colleagues or close relatives? As humans, we are drawn to others and thrive on the connections that are formed.

The issue is that life gets in the way. Busy routines make it difficult to find time to invite a friend over, visit our parents or join a colleague for lunch. Sitting and chatting seems like a waste of time; something for when the other tasks are out of the way. However, we never reach that point. Therefore, we need to be reminded of the value of conversation.

Why Conversations are Important

Take a moment to consider how you feel after an honest chat. It feels good, doesn’t it?

Conversations encourage openness, it’s an opportunity to share our thoughts and explore ideas. That chat might be an outlet to get something off your chest. As you say it out loud, you start to process those thoughts. It can validate your thinking or challenge it, helping you to clarify your options and next step.

A conversation is also about listening, unconditionally, to learn from someone else. In getting to know them better, you can discover different views, fresh approaches and information that you weren’t aware of. This can spark ideas, put things in perspective or cement your thinking.

At the end of a good chat, we often feel a stronger bond with the person we’ve talked with. It can also feel cathartic like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders. Our mood can be lifted and we may look at things a little differently. We appreciate that we do have a great friend and may feel motivated to do something; starting with getting the next meet-up in the diary!

What is Brew Monday?

The media has labelled the third Monday of January as Blue Monday. This time of year is cold and dark, festive celebrations have passed and reality has kicked back in. However, there is no scientific evidence to say that this day is any better or worse than any other.

Samaritans have, therefore, renamed it Brew Monday and are encouraging people to get together for a cuppa and a chat. Who will you give your time to?

Thinking of someone and choosing to spend your time with them is one of the best gifts you can give. Invite them over, pop in or arrange to meet in a local café. If your chosen person lives further away, schedule a video call or phone them up. Ask how they are doing and let them talk. Embrace the opportunity to share what’s on your mind, recall memories or let them in on your plans.

In the workplace, you might organise a Brew Monday event for colleagues and visitors. Let’s bring people together! It’s a simple way to build relationships and reduce isolation.

Information and resources to support Brew Monday are available on the Samaritans website .

Samaritans; There to Listen

Samaritans fully understand the value of conversation. Thousands of people call them every day when life is tough. Their volunteers are on the end of the line and trained to actively listen. They ask open questions to prompt the caller to talk. They focus on what is said and respond with empathy.

There is no judgement, interruption or problem-solving advice. They understand that simply allowing someone to speak and validating them by listening can help them to cope. Their philosophy is that the caller is the expert on their life. By sharing their thoughts openly, they can start to see a way forward. The path they chose is up to them.

In providing a safe place to talk, Samaritans volunteers have given millions of people the outlet they need to get through another day. Their work is life-saving.

Trusted Friends Help Us Get Through Life

Many of our friends, relations and colleagues may be experiencing life challenges, negative thoughts, big decisions or loneliness. They seem to be fine on the outside, but may be struggling. A catch-up with you can show them they have a trusted friend and that could be enough to help them cope.

So, if you were thinking that a cuppa and chat is a waste of time, I hope you now understand it’s not. A good conversation could be the most important and valuable thing you do, on Brew Monday or any other day.