The Importance of Social Wellness Having close social connections is important for your physical and mental health. Have you ever noticed feeling happier after spending time with family and friends? This is an example of social wellness, which involves building and maintaining quality relationships with others. What is Social Wellness and Why Does It Matter? Social wellness is how you interact with others. It includes the relationships you have and the ability to create new connections with those around you. Having strong social bonds can offer support and build emotional resilience. A positive social network may improve your communication skills, allowing you to effectively set boundaries, articulate thoughts clearly, establish trust and resolve conflict. You may also find that you have higher self-esteem and are more comfortable being yourself in social situations. Your health can benefit from having close social relationships. People with strong social ties live longer and have a more positive outlook on life. The diversity of your social network matters too, as having a variety of social relationships can reduce stress and strengthen your immune system. Being able to kindly resolve conflict in your relationships may result in faster wound healing and improved heart health. This is due to the protective nature of feeling supported, especially in times of hardship. Tips to Improve Social Wellness Foster Genuine Connections Maintaining relationships is just as important as developing new ones. Prioritize connections that make you feel seen, heard and loved. This can include romantic partners, family, friends, neighbors, unit members and anyone else you interact with regularly. Communicate often and make plans to see each other when possible. Focus on building trust through supportive and respectful exchanges. How comfortable do I feel with those around me? Am I surrounded by people who care about me? Establish Healthy Relationships Boundaries, open discussions and trust are hallmarks of a healthy relationship. Setting boundaries can establish expectations for how you want to be treated and build trust between you and the other person. Being able to communicate openly about your feelings, even in times of conflict, is also important. Both people in the relationship should feel comfortable, safe and supported. Do I communicate respectfully during conflict? Am I able to set clear boundaries when necessary? Get Involved in Your Community Having diverse social connections is important to your wellbeing. To get involved, consider joining a group or club that interests you. You can also participate in local events, like an intramural sports league or a farmer’s market. Look into community resources that are available, such as recreation centers and public libraries. Another option is to volunteer. Giving back and helping others can combat feelings of loneliness. What kind of activities do I enjoy? Which organizations align with my values and interests? Practice Self-Care The best way to show up fully in your relationships is to take care of yourself. Prioritizing positive lifestyle habits like eating nutritious foods and exercising can benefit your physical health. Your mental health is also an important aspect of your wellbeing. Check in with yourself and reflect on what you need from your relationships. Be honest about your emotions and ask for support when necessary. What makes me feel fulfilled? Do I seek help when I need it? ReferencesCalifornia Department of Social Services - “Social Wellness”Department of Homeland Security - “Positive Social Wellness Habits”National Institutes of Health - “Building Social Bonds: Connections That Promote Well-Being”National Institutes of Health - “Do Social Ties Affect Our Health? Exploring the Biology of Relationships”National Institutes of Health - “Social Wellness Toolkit”Stanford Medicine - “Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection”University of Nebraska Omaha - “Why is Social Wellness Important?”University of New Hampshire - “Social Wellness”
