Social Wellbeing: Get Yourself Connected

Healthy relationships and a strong social network have a positive impact on our broader wellbeing, leading to longer lives and better stress reduction. This reduced stress and anxiety contribute to a healthier hormonal system, improved cardiovascular function, and a stronger immune system (a healthy social life can boost the immune system's ability to fight off infectious diseases).

Here are five straightforward strategies to enhance your social connections and interactions:

1. Be Available

To feel more connected, make yourself open to interacting with others. Instead of staying glued to your phone while waiting in line at the coffee shop or supermarket, take a moment to look around, make eye contact, and have a chat with the person next to you.

2. Take Risks

Take the initiative to smile first and introduce yourself. Don't hesitate to strike up conversations with people, even those you don't know. Embrace the possibility of being seen as the friendly person who talks to strangers! Often, people appreciate these genuine interactions in public.

3. Consume Media Wisely

Evaluate how much time you spend on social media and watching TV or engaging in any other distractions. Limit your use of low-value media that may keep you from being present in the moment. Just like opting for healthy foods, choose meaningful activities like calling a friend or family member or making plans for a dinner date instead of spending hours on Facebook before bedtime.

4. Keep Screens Out of the Bedroom

To improve your sleep quality and enhance your relationships, avoid bringing electronic devices into the bedroom. Reserve this space primarily for sleep and intimate connections with your partner. By disconnecting from screens an hour before bedtime, you allow your body and mind to relax, enabling more meaningful interactions with your loved ones.

5. See Others

Pay attention to people around you, whether you're in traffic, at the gym, or at work. Treat others as fellow human beings, not just obstacles in your path. Acknowledging others' presence is a simple way of recognising their worth, which we all need. By seeing and acknowledging others, you create an environment that allows them to see and appreciate you in return.