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“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – World Health Organization, 1948
July is Social Wellness Month, but what does social wellness mean? In essence, social wellness means feeling connected to other people and understanding how it benefits your health and well-being. There is evidence to suggest that when we experience a strong connection with people, we have a lesser likelihood of depression, have lower blood pressure and stress levels, live longer and be healthier overall.
While we celebrate social wellness in July, it is important to prioritize social well-being throughout the year by nurturing meaningful connections, engaging in positive social activities, and seeking support when needed. Remember that promoting social wellness is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and attention.
So how can you take care of your social wellness? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Practice self-care – Get enough sleep, drink water, read a book you love, journal, take a walk or work out. Engaging in a self-care routine is proven to reduce anxiety and increase happiness.
Volunteer – One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together, and donating some time to a local charity or group lets you do just that.
Take a class – Sign up for a local adult education class to further one of your interests (cooking, sewing, art, etc.). Engaging in a topic that you find fun and interesting is an easy way to connect with like-minded people!
Call a friend and catch up – Some of our best memories include old friends. Reaching out to an old friend and asking what’s happening in their life can be good for your mental health – and theirs too!
Use this month to kickstart a focus on your social wellbeing and you'll be on your way to a healthier, happier life!
AOE has several resources focused on wellness and mindfulness. Here are a few: