Leading a well-intentioned life can feel like balancing on a tight rope at times. You may work diligently, eat right, and exercise, but still feel like you’re missing a certain something. It could stem from a lack of true connection.
Social wellness deals with your ability to make and maintain connections with those around you. It’s an extremely important part of feeling well because humans are social creatures that benefit greatly from positive interaction with others.
Social wellness can support you in times of need and truly enhance your quality of life. Have you ever felt the impact a simple hug or phone call from someone you haven’t spoken to in ages can have? Or, to look at it from a different perspective, have you ever felt overwhelmed and physically unwell due to a lack of connection? There are many risks associated with being alone or isolated that have been compared to those of obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.
We’ve borrowed some ideas from a social wellness checklist to give you some insight into ways you can improve your relationships and really bolster your social aptitude. By simply building a few positive social habits you will be working toward a whole, better you!
Build Healthy Relationships: Whether your relationships are platonic or otherwise, there are things you can do to be sure your relationships are at their best. Throughout life you will experience a multitude of relationships that will help you learn to navigate between not only what you like and dislike but also what you might consider to be right and wrong. Learn to share your feelings and expectations openly and honestly. Focus on active listening and work on compromise while expecting the same in return.
Get Active Together: You can work on being more active at home and within your community to inspire social change and be a positive influence for family and friends alike. This opens up your sphere, allowing you to make connections with more like-minded individuals and can even instill accountability making you more likely to accomplish set goals. Participate in local team sports or community events, and if there aren’t any, start one! Try new activities to see what interests you and those around you.
Make Connections: Studies are finding that social connections can be just as important to your health as being physically fit. Look for ways to get involved in things that interest you and chances are you will meet your tribe. Take a class, take part in a fundraiser or volunteer at a school or hospital. Join an online group and stay connected!
By Maegan Carrasquillo, Staff Writer
