For most, July means hot summer days perfect for going to the beach, sitting by the pool with a good book, or having a cookout with friends. But July is also National Social Wellness Month, which serves as an annual reminder of the importance of social interaction benefits to our health and wellness. Social Wellness Month was created by mental health professionals who wanted to create an event that would promote strengthening mental health through positive relationships. It raises awareness about the importance of social wellness and empowers individuals to prioritize their own mental health and well-being.

What is Social Wellness

Social wellness is being socially connected and having a strong support system. It involves building and maintaining healthy relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and engaging in positive social interactions. Having healthy relationships is vital to our overall health and wellness. The health risks of being alone or isolated are comparable to the risks associated with cigarette smoking, blood pressure, and obesity. Having a support system can help us handle stress and challenging times in our lives and provide us with better physical health, increased life expectancy, and improved mental health.

One of the biggest benefits of having good social wellness is the presence of a social support network. This support can come in three different forms:

• Emotional – When you give and receive emotional support, you feel cared for, and this sort of engagement with another person or a group can give you balance and relieve stress when you need these things the most.
• Instrumental – This refers to physical support, such as money, cooking a meal, or housekeeping.
• Informational – This entails supplying or receiving information that can help you. 

Why is Social Wellness Important

Social wellness is important because it impacts various aspects of our lives, including our mental and emotional health. When we have strong social connections, we experience greater happiness, reduced stress levels, and improved overall well-being. Social wellness can be a marker for our overall well-being, including how supported we feel, our self-esteem, and our value in our families, communities, and social circles.

At the same time, poor social wellness can affect our overall health and wellness in various ways, including feelings of loneliness, isolation, and a lack of meaningful connections. You may find it difficult to form and maintain relationships and feel disconnected from others. Additionally, poor social wellness can contribute to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Research shows that:

• People who have a strong social network tend to live longer.
• The heart and blood pressure of people with healthy relationships respond better to stress.
• Strong social networks are associated with a healthier endocrine system and healthier cardiovascular functioning.
• Healthy social networks enhance the immune system’s ability to fight off infectious diseases.

What Are Some Tips for Increasing Your Social Wellness

Social Wellness Month is a great time to get out of the house, go for a walk or run, step away from your desk, and turn off the television.  Below are some examples of how you can expand this month all year and create a healthier social wellness for you.

• Work out. Joining a gym or an exercise group allows you to meet new people while exercising.
•  Take a walk with your pet. Starting a walking routine gives you another opportunity to be physically active and creates more opportunities to meet your neighbors.
• Volunteer. Donate some of your time and hard work to a charity. You will feel good about the cause, and you will meet others with similar passions.
• Find others. Seek out others who share a hobby, such as hiking, painting, scrapbooking, running, etc.
• Devote time. Set aside time every week for the relationships you consider a priority in your life.
• Be supportive. Be honest and supportive of other people’s feelings, hopes, and dreams.
• Show appreciation. Everyone likes to receive compliments and expressing appreciation in verbal and nonverbal ways can boost a relationship and someone’s morale greatly.

There are countless ways to expand your social network. A great place to start is to think of your interests and hobbies and then pursue them. This gives you opportunities to find others with similar passions. Plus, you will achieve the necessary goal that social wellness provides: nurturing and healing yourself.

The Role of Social Wellness in Mental Health

Social wellness plays a crucial role in our mental health. Strong social connections provide emotional support, reduce stress, and promote a sense of belonging. When we have positive relationships and a support system, we are better equipped to cope with life’s challenges. On the other hand, poor social wellness can contribute to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and even mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is essential to prioritize social wellness as part of our mental health self-care routine. 

The Role of the Employer in Social Wellness

Many companies today recognize the benefits of social wellness as part of an employee’s overall health and wellness. Several set aside time for events to ensure employees are interacting socially and offer resources and tools for improving social wellness. There are several resources and tools available to help improve social wellness:

Therapy or counseling: A mental health professional can provide guidance and support in developing healthy social skills and enhancing social wellness. Check out your employer’s Employee Assistance Program for what therapy benefits you can receive.

Support groups: Many Employee Assistance Programs can help you find and join a support group to connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges.

Social skills training: Some organizations offer workshops or courses to help individuals improve their social skills and build healthier relationships.

Online communities: Virtual communities and forums can be a valuable resource for connecting with others who share similar interests or experiences.

Conclusion

Social wellness is a vital aspect of our overall well-being. It impacts our mental, emotional, and physical health. By investing in our social connections, engaging in meaningful activities, and prioritizing personal interactions, we can enhance our social wellness and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Take the time to nurture your relationships, seek out social opportunities, and remember that building strong connections is an ongoing process. Prioritize your social health, and you will see the benefits of a more balanced and fulfilling social life. Remember, social wellness is not just about maintaining healthy relationships but also taking care of yourself. It is a way to help you manage your stress, so take time to consider your social wellness and how you can help your health and well-being by connecting today.