Finding a Good Listener

listen - to give one’s attention to a sound; an act of listening to something

Why does having someone to talk to make all the difference?

Confiding in a good listener not only provides stress release, but it can also slow cognitive decline (according to a study at NYU Langone Health). Talking and other mentally stimulating activities such as exercise and meditation does the mind a lot of good.

It’s also important to know what we need from others, and from ourselves - do we need someone to talk to, someone who will listen and then give feedback; or do we need someone to talk at, someone just to listen to us and leave it at that. . .it’s good to know the difference and then voice it.

what are the traits of a good listener?

1.      Look for someone who’s interested in you – who waits for you to answer when they ask how you’re doing, and who doesn’t shift focus onto themselves every chance they get

2.      If you can’t find a genuine friend or pair of ears start an exercise that gives you some form of release – walking, gym, running, a sport, meditation, yoga, a daily dose of nature, something that’s also relaxing and not necessarily high intensity (stressors aren’t reduced by exercise stress)

3.       Be mindful of becoming a good listener yourself – if you’d like others to listen to you, make the effort to be a good listener too

If you’re interested in finding a group who will listen, not give advice and be non-judgemental join us for a listening workshop, which is also in rotation as part of the Weekend Workshop series of topics.