With Breathing Space Day coming up on the 1st of February, we are calling on everyone to ‘learn to listen’ and support each other’s mental health. 
Here are some tips to practice your active listening skills:
Be attentive: Eliminate distractions, maintain eye contact, and show genuine interest.
Listen without judgement: Create a safe space for open sharing without criticism.
Reflect and clarify: Repeat and ask questions to ensure understanding.
Validate feelings: Acknowledge emotions and experiences with empathy.
Use non-verbal cues: Nod, smile, and use open body language to show attentiveness.
Be patient and allow for silence: Let the speaker express themselves fully without rushing.
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage deeper conversation with thoughtful questions.
Offer support, not solutions: Sometimes just listening is the best support you can offer.
If reaching out to someone you trust feels overwhelming, remember Breathing Space is also available to provide a listening ear. More information in the comments!