Your Relationships and Your Health
Intro:
We have long made the connection between health and physical self-care, but what about our health and social self-care?
We certainly can understand what it feels like when we feel saddened by loss of loved ones, break ups, divorce or other stressful situations surrounding those who are close to us, but do we realize the long term impacts this could have on our physical health if we do not take steps now to improve our social health?
Social care can take shape in many forms, but this article will cover specifically the importance of one’s social environment and the relationships in our lives that may be affecting our health and well being.
Humans are meant to be social creatures.
Whether you are someone who feels energized or drained by the presence of others, we all depend on and have an evolutionary need for social interactions.
Social bonds have helped us survive through sharing food and other resources, caring for infants and those who are sickly, and also warding off threats. It has become clear over the years of human development that those who formed some sort of a community generally thrived better than those who didn’t.
If we do not have a strong social network or enough positive relationships with our loved ones then it may lead to a number of manifestations in our physical and mental health:
Weakened immune system
Higher blood pressure
Mental decline and higher chance of dementia
Higher cortisol and stress levels
Higher risk of obesity
Higher risk of stroke and heart disease
Higher risk of cancer
Increased suicide rates
This list is not comprehensive, but does illustrate a clear picture of the importance of healthy social interactions in our lives.
How do we take steps to improve our social health then?
Psychologists have determined that there are three major categories of social interactions that humans depend on for optimal social and emotional well being: Intimate connections (close friends, family, partners), acquaintances (those with whom you interact regularly, i.e. coworkers, neighbors) and group interactions (people who you see in larger communities such as religious congregations, clubs, volunteer groups).
If you feel you may be lacking in any of these three categories then it may be time to look into opportunities to meet more people, even if you consider yourself to be an introvert. Taking the steps to insert yourself into social settings may feel daunting at first, but it will reap many benefits as you continue making efforts to include these people in your life.
Some ideas for meeting people may include the following:
Join an exercise class or athletic group (run group, city sports team, yoga class, hiking group)
Community service groups (soup kitchens, gardening, local committee boards, summer camps or retreats)
Get involved in your religious community
Take community learning classes
Attend food tasting experiences or cooking classes
Find a support group or community for people with conditions you or a loved one may identify with (ADHD or other learning disabilities, Down Syndrome, Cancer survivors, etc.)
Consult meetup.com to find other group ideas that peak your interest
Conclusion:
In addition to improving your physical health, it is important to take steps to ensure solid social health as well.
By taking care of the relationships with those around us and finding a balance of enough positive social interactions, we will have a better grasp on our health in all areas.
