The Power of Social Connection
The other week I was reflecting on relationships and how important our social connections are when it comes to our health; I was on vacation and had time to meet up with friends and family and it was so nice to have the time (and energy) to hang out. I hopped on InstaGram and shared some of my thoughts in a reel (link to IG) and since then have been thinking even more about just how our social lives impact our health.
THINK ABOUT THE LAST TIME YOU WERE WITH A GOOD FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER AND HOW YOU FELT AFTER
HAPPIER? LIGHTER?
We’ve seen, over the last few years, how being alone in isolation from others for extended amounts of time has negative impacts on our health both emotionally, mentally and physically. So often we think of health as what we eat, how we look, getting enough exercise etc. but our health as a whole is more than just the physical. Physical health is important but it’s not the only thing we need to focus our attention on. They’re all connected, like the spokes on a bicycle tire support the tire!
Having these personal connections, everything from casual friends to super close ones, are important to our health and I think we sometimes overlook this as part of our health or get stuck in thinking things like…
Close connections are so
important to our health
“Everyone has stuff going on I don’t want to bother them with my shit”!
“I don’t have time to meet up”!
“I don’t want to be a burden”!
“I’m FINE, I can figure it out on my own”!
“It’s too exhausting to talk about, I just want to be left alone”!
And the list goes on…
Or maybe, like me, you’re working so much that you have no energy left in the tank and need to find a better balance!
Our social life, believe it or not, is a really important piece of our well being. Connection, real connection, helps us to
…feel like we belong.
…that we’re not facing life alone.
…supported and comforted in good times and bad.
…loved and valued.
We need each other.
We need personal connection.
Speaking from experience of trying to do it all on your own…
It’s me, hi 👋, I’m the problem, it's me…
As a single mom I’ve been notoriously independent over the years, not because I didn’t have support but there were many times when I just had to figure things out. Life was crazy busy, leaving me with little time and even less energy some days to reach out - life’s just like that sometimes…
The emotional support that we get from having strong relationships in our lives not only helps our mental health but can also support our physical health because of the positive impacts it has on reducing stress in our lives.
(here’s an article in the NYT on this exact thing having-friends-is-good-for-you.html)
As a Health Coach, social connection is one aspect I look at as a key part of a person's health. I know first hand just how important it is to feel supported and also have experienced the negative effects of being alone and feeling unsupported at certain times. Thankfully I’ve learned over the years how to navigate through these tough times and it’s my desire to be able share all I’ve learned with you to help support you and your health!
I know first hand just how important it is to feel supported and also have experienced the negative effects of being alone and feeling unsupported at certain times.
If you’re feeling a little disconnected because life has gotten hectic and busy here are…
5 Simple Ways to Reconnect When You're Feeling Disconnected
Instead of sending a text, try sending a voice note instead - it’s not that weird, I promise, I actually love when people do this, it feels more personal 🗣️
Pick up the phone and call the person you’re thinking about, your phone does that remember? 😉
Text with the intention of setting up a coffee date or something in person, it can be tricky with everyone's busy schedules but it’s always worth the effort!! ☎️
Join a new gym or yoga studio that offers group classes, it’s a great way to meet new people and feel part of a community. This is something that I’ve been doing, especially now that I’m an empty nester. 👋
When you’re out for a walk, shopping or anywhere there’s people, small talk can be really nice when you’re out doing simple things like errands. You never know how you can brighten someone else’s day just by making a little small talk! 😃
Thanks for reading!
I hope you’ve found a little something to take into the week ahead.🙂
