From backyard barbecues to picnics in the park, there is nothing better than getting together with family and friends. But guess what? It's not just fun, but it's healthy too. As humans, we are innately social. Yet, when we think about wellbeing, our attitudes tend to focus more on how well we are feeling, happiness, and productivity. We believe that positive relationships are essential to healthy functioning.
However, social well-being entails more than that. Well-being is not only determined by our interactions with others, but also by our relationship with our communities and social networks. In this article, we will explore social wellbeing through the lens of positive relationships (such as friendship, family, loved ones, etc.).
Social wellness is about how we interact with others and our relationships. We can draw strength from them during times of difficulty. Building a positive sense of self-esteem and well-being relies on healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships with others. Our #RechargeTogether Challenge exemplifies this idea beautifully. So stick around to find out more about it.
For a vibrant social life, it's imperative to build and nurture relationships. It may even extend one's life expectancy by fostering social connections. A lack of social contacts or social isolation can have profound implications for one's health.
There is evidence that:
· Social isolation poses the same health risks as smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity.
· Relationships strengthen the heart and blood vessels, making them more resilient to stress.
· Social connections enhance the health of the endocrine system and cardiovascular systems.
· Social support can boost immunity to infectious diseases.
Since social interactions can enhance your happiness, it's beneficial to cultivate meaningful relationships with friends, family, romantic partners, and others. Also, if you join a cooking class or an exercise squad, you can make new connections.
Once you've forged connections, make sure you nurture them over time. Having great relationships is paramount to a happy, fulfilled life. Although social support networks require effort, the rewards are significant. Good times become even better when positive relationships flourish, and tough times become doable.
Through joint activities, you can maximize the benefits of a relationship. You and your friends could, for example, go for a walk together or prepare a healthy meal together. Being physically active can also improve your mental well-being.
- Stay in touch with your friends frequently. Keep in touch with the people who matter to you.
- Let your pet accompany you for a walk. As you walk after dinner, you will not only be able to engage in more physical activity, but you will also meet more neighbors.
- Get involved with volunteer work. Contribute your time and talents to a charity. Cherish your heritage by sharing it.
- Find your niche by joining a group. Some groups offer hiking, scrapbooking, or running opportunities.
Socializing is a never-ending process. Get involved with the things that interest you. Chances are, you will meet others with similar interests.
Communication plays a pivotal role in making and keeping friends. It is sometimes difficult for people with poor communication skills to build rapport and socialize with new people. For some, it's innate, while for others, it is a lack of confidence or practice. Online or in-person courses can help people learn communication skills. As for now, here are a few tips to improve communication.
· Always maintain good eye contact while communicating.
· Don't interrupt other people and give them plenty of time to talk.
· Don't respond right away; think it over.
· Use your body language to appear interested: open your arms, nod your head, and alter your facial expressions.
Never take your relationships for granted, no matter your age or stage of life. Cherish your friendships and cultivate new ones. It will benefit your mental and physical wellbeing, as well as the quality of your life. Relationships not only make others feel good, but they also create a support system for you. Give a shout-out to your co-worker for their hard work. Let them know you appreciate what they do. If things get tough, reach out to your support system for help. You will be amazed at how much more you can enjoy life when you use the lens of positive relationships.
Maintaining social wellness is like nurturing a flower garden. It's an ongoing process that requires consistent care and attention. It is as important as selecting the right plot, preparing the soil, planting the best seeds, and providing enough water and nutrients is to grow a tall and majestic tree. To ensure continued growth and beautiful blossoms for a lifetime, whether gardening or in relationships, providing protection from the weather and weeding out negativity is essential!
Embarkz is an initiative to provide a growing environment for everyone to thrive!
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