July 14, 2021
COVID-19 brought upon us a period of social isolation that has had detrimental effects on our well-being. While we quarantined to protect our neighbors, many people in turn found themselves lonely and isolated. The effects of prolonged isolation are comparable to cigarette smoking or high blood pressure, and these harmful effects go beyond our physical health. Occurrences of depression and anxiety rose from 10% of individuals to 40% of individuals between January 2019 and this time last year. While staying socially distanced protected us from COVID-19, many found themselves mentally, emotionally, and physically unwell.
Thankfully, due to effective vaccines, many people are cautiously and slowly emerging out of isolation and back into the social world. Because of this, a focus on social wellness is more important than ever. Quarantine showed us how important social connection is to overall well-being, and this summer, Social Wellness Month reminds us that we need one another for full, healthy lives. Social wellness is about our interactions with our support system, including family, friends, community, co-workers, and more. This month is a reminder of how healthy relationships, in a variety of places, supply the tools we need to be healthier. Creating a space for social wellness will aid in bringing us back together, living fuller lives side-by-side.
Ways to develop social wellness
Below are ways to cultivate social wellness in various relationships:
Family
- Foster connections within your family unit. Though many families have been spending ample time together over the last 17 months of the pandemic, try finding intentional ways to connect with members of your household. Check in with one another’s emotional wellness on a deeper level.
- Many school-aged children have been experiencing the same social isolation as adults, especially for those who are participating in distance learning. As kids are out of school for the summer, consider bolstering your child’s social wellness through activities they can enjoy with other children their age, like sports, camps, or playdates.
Friends
- For many people, friendship has likely been one of the more neglected relationships during the pandemic. Take the time to reach out to a friend you haven’t seen or spoken to in a few months and ask them to coffee. If they live far away, take the time to give them a call. Social wellness can be cultivated virtually, too.
- Invite a friend to join you for a physical activity, such as a workout class or a walk in a local park. This will allow you to bolster your social well-being through connection with other people, as well as take care of your physical wellness through exercise.
Community
- Volunteer your time at a community center in your area. Helping others, especially your neighbors, produces a positive impact not only on others, but also for yourself.
- Visit a local farmer’s market or festival. Not only will this allow you to connect with the people who live near you, but also will provide an opportunity to buy fresh ingredients for a healthy meal, while supporting local businesses and individuals.
Co-Workers
- Many spend around a third of their time with the people they work with, and whether that is in-person or virtual, finding ways to foster healthy relationships with co-workers is vital to social wellness. Consider starting a bonding activity, such as a book or movie club, among your co-workers. This could not only be a fun activity for your own self-care, but also a way to foster a healthy personal-professional work culture.