As human beings, we all have an innate desire to connect with each other. Some are capable of forming these connections, some struggle with it.
We are social creatures who need each other to survive this jungle called life. We are well aware of how important our physical and mental health is for us to lead a good life. But are you aware that our social wellness affects both?
What is Social Wellness?
Our ability to care for others while we take good care of ourselves is defined as social wellness. Relationships we form with those around us can greatly impact the quality of our lives. Our ability to make meaningful connections with others – as a family, as a society, and as a community is referred to as social wellness.
What are social wellness examples?
- Treating everyone with dignity and respect
- Being true to oneself
- Being self-aware
- Taking good care of oneself both physically and mentally
- Nurturing one’s relationships
- Empathizing with others and their situations
- Eating healthy
- Doing what is necessary to stay fit
- Being able to ask for help when needed
- Spending quality time with your loved ones
- Belonging to a community
- Valuing diversity and being inclusive
- Maintaining a healthy work-home-life balance
- Creating a good network of supportive friends
- Checking in with your friends and family as often as possible
- Being able to invest in yourself as much as you invest in others
- Being kind to yourself
- Being able to communicate effectively
How to improve social wellness?
Indulge in ‘me’ time
Social wellness begins with ample self-care. It can be taking a walk in the near-by park or binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix, or something as mindless and simple as lying on your back staring at the ceiling all day – if it helps you relax and find your peace, you should devote some time to it regularly.
Get to Know yourself
As cliche as it may sound, this is an important exercise in improving your social wellness. Who are you and what do you need? What makes you who you are? What angers you? What calms you down? What are your values? Answers to these questions will help you make the right decisions.
Eat and Sleep Well
Our body needs adequate rest and nutritious food to stay healthy. When you get 7-8 hours of proper sleep every night, you think better, your energy levels are high through the day, you are more alert and aware of yourself and your surroundings. Healthy body is important to nurture a healthy mind.
Build a Supportive Network
We are not meant to live in isolation. Our social construct is so strong that living a lonely life could destroy us. We are built to interact with each other, share our happiness and pain, and form bonds that provide meaning and value to our lives. Connect with like-minded people who share your hobbies. Having friends you can depend on is a crucial step in improving your social wellness.
Learn to Express Yourself
Speak up. Sharing your emotions with your near and dear ones can help improve relationships. Expressing how you feel can set you free in so many ways. Learn to do it the right way. If you are one of those people who bottle their feelings and avoid confrontations, this is especially for you. You might find it hard the first time you stand up for yourself. Trust that it gets better with each time you choose to express yourself.
Let Go of Toxic Relationships
Not all relationships are healthy. Those that cause stress and pressure you into being someone you are not can impact your social wellness negatively. Knowing when and where to draw a line with people who do not appreciate you is important. It could be a friend, a family member, or a colleague.
Learn When to Say Yes and No
Say yes to opportunities and no to things that drag you down. Yes and No are powerful tools when used the right way. Learn to say yes to exploring new things, and forming new relationships. Learning to say no is equally important.
Why is social wellness important?
Your social wellness impacts your physical and mental health. Research shows that people with a positive social wellness meter live longer, healthier lives than those who live alone or have a non-existent social life. Stress is one of the most common causes of illness. Having a supportive network of friends and family you can count on in times of need helps reduce stress and avoid all the ailments associated with it.
