Reclaiming Your Social Health: 5 Practical Steps to Prioritizing Connection in a Busy World
photo by Laura Lee digitally altered with Canva @pouncetothrive
When it comes to thriving in life, few things are as powerful as our social connections. They're not just about feeling good in the moment. Research confirms time and time again that our social connections are essential for brain health and vibrant longevity. Sure, social connections are fun now, but they are the building blocks for our future well-being, as well.
But we don’t all have large groups of friends to help us plan activities and social events. Besides, there’s much more to connections than frat parties and book clubs.
I put together a few ideas about how you might find some connections in smaller, more introvert-friendly ways. There’s room for your four-legged friends, too.
Gift a Shared Experience
If you need to buy a gift for someone special, a graduate for example, consider gifting a shared experience instead. Researchers found through four separate studies that receiving experiential gifts created stronger relationships than material ones.
The joy of a shared experience often lasts long after the event itself is over, creating cherished memories and inside jokes that can strengthen the bonds you share with the person you love. I know my daughter, for example, will remember all of our trips to Starbucks together for our “little treats.” A gift card would have cost the same amount in actual dollars, but going together will be infinitely more memorable to her (and me).
Short on gift ideas? Try these 10 experiential gifts.
Overcome Social Obstacles
Making social connections a priority with the same importance as boosting your brain, harnessing your hidden powers, fueling your journey, and staying active can be difficult for some people.
We live in a world that often values productivity and independence, which can make it hard to set aside the time and energy needed for social health.
If you struggle with your social health, (Are you thinking: What does social heath even mean?), this article from Stanford University highlights three potential obstacles and how you can overcome them. It offers practical ways to navigate what they identify as common challenges and how to make connection a more natural part of your routine.
It’s hard, I know. We’ve got anxiety, a busy routine, and technology all in the way between us and “doing stuff” with other people. But pick your hard.
It’s hard now to find the time to be with friends, family, or community. It would be even harder in the future, for example, when you’re no longer surrounded by co-workers, or if your mobility is limited. Make connections now to build up a friendship reserve. Your future self will thank you!
Strengthen One-on-One Bonds
Doesn’t it seem like women collect and nurture friendships, but it’s so much harder for men?
This interview explains how female friendship is usually based on a relationship between two people, but men often socialize in groups.
While group activities are fun and have their own benefits, taking time for individual connection is vital for creating deep, lasting bonds. Why don’t you make plans to hang out one-on-one with a friend? Strengthening friendships that will last for decades is vital to your healthy aging, providing a reliable source of support and joy as you move through life.
I probably spend over an hour every day, usually in the mornings, reaching out to friends one by one. If you always go out in groups, try focusing on one friend at a time for a change. Challenge yourself to go out in a pair from time to time. Let me know how it goes for you and your “friend date.”
The Power of Pets
Are pets as good for our wellbeing as being married or meeting up with friends or relatives? I’m keeping mum on this one!
But what I can tell you is that the unconditional love and daily presence of a pet can provide a profound source of companionship that combats loneliness and stress. Whether you have a dog, a cat, or even a fish (okay, maybe not a fish…) the act of caring for another creature can give your days purpose and joy.
Whether or not pets give you more joy than a romantic partner, well, I’m going to leave that up to you to confirm or deny! Read this report and see if you agree with the science.
p.s. I take it back, I could love a cute fish, too.
photo provided by the author @pouncetothrive
Connect With Nurturing Women
Neuropsychologist Dr. Lenny Goldschmidt says that social activities “activate multiple, complex networks in our brains more than almost any other daily activity.”
Social interactions are the ultimate brain workout, engaging memory, language, and emotional processing all at once. The research backs this up.
Dr. Goldschmidt suggests that it doesn’t have to be Mother’s Day to find an opportunity to connect with the special women in your life who have provided you with nurturing support, encouragement, and love.
Meeting in person would be best, but even a phone call or a text conversation can be beneficial to your brain health, and thus your vibrant longevity, and your relationship. I’m still in touch with my fourth grade teacher, Miss Munn. We don’t often visit in person, but we still swap messages and cards. I think it’s these smaller, but just as important relationships, that keep us going just as much as bigger social events.
What do you think about keeping connected with the nurturing women in your life? Who have you stayed in touch with? Who do you often think about that you would you love to hear from again?
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