The number and strength of relationships throughout our life have an impact on our mental and physical well-being. According to the American Psychological Association, a lack of social interactions and/ or loneliness can have a direct impact on our emotional and physical health, which can lead to weight gain, sleep loss, and a weakened immune system. As a result, the advantages of social bonds are substantial. To stay well and happy, we must be socially active.
So, how do we improve our social connections?
Consider the kind of connections we have and the types of relationships we would like to have. We may discover that we want to meet new acquaintances or that we want to strengthen our existing ties. Or perhaps we have a tendency to remain with old pals and are unable to meet new ones. Furthermore, we may also require aid in understanding the obstacles we have developed that hinder us from connecting effectively with others. Some examples of obstacles include poor self-esteem, lack of confidence, nervousness, and difficulty asking for and receiving support from others. Thus, consulting a counselor may help us improve our capacity to connect with people in a safe and supportive setting.
After doing this, we may want to reach out to individuals we already know, such as coworkers, colleagues, relatives, or neighbors. We can give them a call, write or email them, and let them know that we want to communicate with them more frequently. We may also consider the common interest they have in using Facebook and other social media platforms. There are also several ways to meet new individuals and build ties with them. We can begin a discussion with people we see on a daily basis, such as those on our bus in the morning, baristas in our local Starbucks, checkout workers at our family mart, and any activity we do in our life that are around people. Similarly, joining a sports team or volunteering are some other options.
Although not all these methods will work for everyone, we could try a variety of approaches to determine what works best for us. We can always try something new! The aim is to be able to share our time, experiences, and stories with others while also listening to them. We can be happier and more fulfilled as a result of the social ties we develop. In this approach, social connectivity provides positive feedback on social, emotional, and physical well-being.
Reference:
Novotney, A. (2019) The risks of social isolation. American Psychological Association.
Retrieved from: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation