10 ways to feel more connected in 2025

Here's our community top tips for feeling connected this year:

1- Reading challenge

I set myself a reading challenge last year, pledging to read 24 books in total. I signed up to a website (and app) called GoodReads, which makes it easy to log the books I'd read, follow my progress and find new recommendations. I connected with my cousin, and each time she finished a book, I'd get an email with her review. Its only small, but it helped keep me on track with my challenge and helped me feel part of something. When I saw my cousin at Christmas, we had so much to discuss!

Meg, 30

2- Taking part in parkrun

I was already running a lot, but always alone. I decided to come along to a parkrun locally and I loved the atmosphere. In the past few months, I've been to every event and I enjoy seeing the power of community and being active without competition.

Alex, 42

3- Really listen

I came across a quote by Stephen Covey which really stuck with me: "Listen with the intent to understand, not the intent to reply." It's not always an easy thing to do, but when I try to be fully present and practice active listening, the conversation is much more interesting and I find I can connect with others in a deeper way.

Annie, 65

4- Small acts of kindness

I’ve started leaving little notes of encouragement in library books or on café tables. It’s my way of connecting with people I may never meet but who might need a smile that day. It’s a small act, but it’s made me feel more connected to the world around me.

Sam, 39

5- Board games

I realised I don’t need a big social network to feel connected. I invited a couple of friends over for a board game night, and it’s become a regular thing. Midweek I wouldn't otherwise see anyone in the evenings so it's been good to forward to those evenings. We mostly talk about the game but occasionally someone opens up a bit about something that's going on in their life.

Andy, 59

6- Shared interests

When I go on a bike ride, I upload my route to Strava. It's a good way to keep in touch with my friends because we're not really the kind of guys to just start up a conversation by text.

Adam, 26

7- Volunteer

Being a part of Marmalade Trust this winter has brought joy into my life. I was feeling lonely too, so we’ve both benefitted. Spending time with someone who really benefits from some friendly conversation helped me create a sense of purpose and connection.

Anon

8- Join a group

I joined a WhatsApp group for local mums. Everyday someone will ask a parenting question, share their frustrations or recommendations for things to do. I was even brave enough to go along to one of the meet-ups and had a lovely time. Definitely recommend to other parents!

Emma, 31

9- Prioritise quality time

This year I'm going to make a conscious effort to spend quality time with my husband and my kids. I thought that just because I see people everyday, I wouldn't get lonely, but I've come to realise it doesn't work that way. I can't remember the last time we actually had a proper conversation.

Caroline, 37

10- Meetups at home

You don't necessarily have to leave home to experience good quality connection.

I love my monthly Friday evening Zoom call with my girlfriends who are not local, we have a good gossip and a glass of wine. I feel like we are all together!

Alice, 35

Thank you to our community for sharing these brilliant tips. We hope you find them inspiring - try a few or choose your own. Let's make 2025 full of meaningful connection!