RU Socially Healthy?
What exactly is social wellness? Essentially it's our relationships with people and the way we interact within those relationships. In this digital age, more and more of us are experiencing the adverse health effects from isolation.
Research suggests that feelings of chronic loneliness impact our mood, mind and physical body in more ways than we realize. This puts us at risk for an array of issues, including heart disease, depression, anxiety, dementia and more. A robust approach to social well-being has proven to counteract these risks by reducing stress, improving heart health and boosting the immune system.
It’s important to focus on social health as a part of your total wellness regimen. Start by creating a solid social network in real life. That’s right, put your smartphone down, head out into the world and get up close and personal.
Build connections with friends on a foundation of mutual respect, honesty and support. Be kind. Understand that relationships of all types are a give and take. Give without conditions and receive with an open heart. Radiate positivity. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need from others. Accept people for who they are, without judgement or a need to compete. Smile. Disagree respectfully. Express your appreciation often and with sincerity. Practice active listening. Be a good friend.
For those of us with a network of friends, we can improve our emotional well-being by strengthening those existing relationships. Put in the effort and reap the rewards.
Reach out to someone you haven’t connected with in awhile.
Set reminders for weekly phone calls with family.
Schedule a monthly lunch date with a friend.
Plan time for your social interactions and stick to those plans.
Whether you’re new to an area, or an introvert like me, expanding your social network may take a little more work. Put in the effort, it’s good for your health! Need inspiration on meeting new people?
Volunteer at an organization you love. Check out United Way’s Hands on Asheville-Buncombe for local volunteering opportunities.
Join a fitness or yoga class. I’m partial to Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts where everyone of all ages and fitness levels is welcomed like family.
Go on a group hike. Don’t know where to start? Try Girls Who Hike NC, Asheville Hiking Group on Meetup, Pisgah Hikers, Blue Ridge Hiking Club, High Country Hikers, or Carolina Mountain Club.
Take your pooch to the local dog park. A few local favorites include French Broad River Park, Azeala Park, and Mills River Park.
Sign up for a class on a subject you’re curious about. Learn glass blowing at the North Carolina Glass Center in the River Arts District. Get your groove on at Dance Club Asheville with a Belly Dance or Hip Hop Class. Whisk it up at The Asheville Kitchen with one of their sweet or savory cooking classes. The possibilities are endless to learn and explore something new.
Check out the National Institute of Health’s Social Wellness Checklist for more ideas on connecting with others.
Of course one of my favorite ways to improve social health is self-care with friends. Recline & Unwind Social Spa reimagined the concept of spa by adding a social wellness twist. It’s one room spa was designed to focus on total well-being by encouraging real life connections, laughter and joy in a healing space.
photo credit @dbeltwrites