Weekly Connection Plan

A simple weekly template that turns good intentions into scheduled connection. You'll ground the habit in why relationships matter, block recurring time with people on your calendar, prioritize your most important ties, and use interactive technology to bridge distance.

How often: weekly · planning default, not from the research

When: any time · the sources state no time of day; the planner's slot is a default

The time slot is a planning choice: a swap can keep it.

Not yet in the evidence base — this is a reasonable way to work toward the goal, not a recommendation a review has confirmed. See “Evidence status” below for what a review would need to confirm.

The evidence applies to the practice, not to these particular steps — they are one way to carry it out.

1
Schedule Regular Social Contact
Read/reflect for 5 minutes on why connection matters for health
Foundational motivation; sets the 'why' for the week.
Scaffold: app-designed stepApp-designed prescriptionno finding maps to this routine's block, so nothing states these numbers.
No option on this bench from any review
No completed Round-2 review has named a practice for that an extraction row placed in it. That is a gap in the knowledge base, not in this step: the step’s own exercise stands, and there is nothing yet to swap it for.
2
Schedule Regular Social Contact
Block 1-3 recurring social touchpoints on your calendar
Core practice. Treat these like any other appointment.
Slot: regular contact maintenance
Scaffold: app-designed stepApp-designed prescriptionno finding maps to this routine's block, so nothing states these numbers.
No option on this bench from any review
No completed Round-2 review has named a practice for regular contact maintenance that an extraction row placed in it. That is a gap in the knowledge base, not in this step: the step’s own exercise stands, and there is nothing yet to swap it for.
3
Quality vs. Quantity of Relationships
Choose 2-3 key relationships to prioritize this week
Focus energy on close, dependable ties over collecting contacts.
Slot: regular contact maintenance
Scaffold: app-designed stepApp-designed prescriptionthe finding states no count for this.
No option on this bench from any review
No completed Round-2 review has named a practice for regular contact maintenance that an extraction row placed in it. That is a gap in the knowledge base, not in this step: the step’s own exercise stands, and there is nothing yet to swap it for.
4
Use Technology to Stay Connected (Wisely)
Schedule 1 interactive video/voice call; limit passive scrolling
Use tech for real interaction, especially for distant ties.
Slot: regular contact maintenance
Scaffold: app-designed stepApp-designed prescriptionthe finding states no count for this.
No option on this bench from any review
No completed Round-2 review has named a practice for regular contact maintenance that an extraction row placed in it. That is a gap in the knowledge base, not in this step: the step’s own exercise stands, and there is nothing yet to swap it for.

Safety, and where each line comes from

5 product safeguard (app-authored)1 source silent

Each line below says where it comes from. “Reported by the review’s sources” is the source’s own words about adverse events or contraindications. “Product safeguard” is written by this app, not by the research. “Source silent” means the studies behind this routine report nothing on that point, which is not the same as saying it carries no risk.

Who should modify or avoid this

Product safeguard (app-authored)Over-scheduling can create pressure; adjust to capacity
From this routine’s block record, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)All adults
From this routine’s block record, written by this app.
Source silentThe sources behind this routine's finding report no contraindications or population restrictions.

When to seek supervision or clearance

Product safeguard (app-authored)Persistent loneliness or isolation accompanied by low mood, hopelessness, loss of interest, or withdrawal lasting 2+ weeks: encourage contact with a primary care provider or mental health professional
From this routine’s block record, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Thoughts of self-harm or that life is not worth living: direct to crisis line / emergency services immediately
From this routine’s block record, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Signs of a medical emergency (chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, fainting, sudden weakness or numbness) mean 911 or your local emergency services; thoughts of self-harm or suicide mean the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This app does not diagnose, treat or give personalised medical advice.

How to do it

Put the touchpoints on the calendar as recurring appointments with a name attached to each one, the same way you would a meeting. Unnamed 'social time' is the first thing to get bumped.
Pick the two or three people you actually want to keep close and aim the slots at them, rather than spreading contact thin across everyone you know.
Treat the slot as protected time for a real conversation, not a box to tick. A rushed check-in that fills the calendar entry is not what the slot is for.
Use video or voice for distant ties and keep the contact interactive: a call, a message thread you both reply in, or a group chat you post in. Scrolling someone's feed does not count as one of the touchpoints.
One planned contact a week is a lighter version of this plan, not the same as three. Scale down when the week is full rather than dropping the habit, and cut back if the schedule starts feeling like a chore.

Evidence status

Not yet in the evidence base

No internal review in this library has asked this specific practice’s question yet, so there are no cited studies here. It’s included as a way to work toward the goal — not because a review has confirmed it works as described.

What a review would need to answer: Does scheduling regular social contact (frequency-based interventions) improve wellbeing, loneliness, or health outcomes independent of relationship quality?

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