Fostering the Surprising Health Benefits of Social Connection
The Surprising Health Benefits of Social Connection
In an era of increased awareness surrounding mental health, we are often given the prescription to be around people that ‘fill our cup.’
It’s no secret that surrounding ourselves with people we love brings us instant feelings of happiness. But, did you know that there are a wide array of both mental and physical health benefits associated with social connection?
In this article we’ll be diving into all the amazing advantages that can be found in spending time with loved ones, while also exploring fun activities to take part in with those closest to you!
Improve connections, improve your health
So, what actually is a social connection and why is it so important?
Social connection encompasses more than just having an impressive list of Facebook friends. The true definition of this term lies in the quality and variety of connections we have, as well as the number of people we consider to be in our inner circle.
This definition can be expanded further to include our feelings about the connections we have, meaning the extent one feels belonging within groups and a general sense of closeness to others.
In fact, these feelings of belonging are so important they can be considered one of the core psychological needs to leading a satisfied life – offering just a glimpse into why relationships with others are so important for good mental health.
Other psychological benefits of social connectedness include:
- Lower levels of anxiety and depression
- Increased ability to regulate one’s emotions
- Higher self esteem and empathy
- Mitigation of PTSD symptoms
- Maintaining a healthy body mass index
- Controlling blood sugars
- Improving cancer survival rates
- Decreasing cardiovascular mortality
- Improving quality of sleep
Therefore, improving connections truly does mean improving your health!
Making the most out of time together
The busyness of modern day life means it can be hard to carve out time for ourselves, let alone for others. Consider multitasking by hanging out with friends and performing activities that you would need to complete anyways.
Grab a buddy to embark on:
- Weekly grocery shopping at a farmers market
- A new (and potentially nerve racking) fitness class
- Much-needed relaxation in a tranquil environment like your hot tub or All-Weather Pool
- Meal prepping to create delicious and nutritious meals for the week
Connections don’t need to come at the expense of obligations. Combine your must-do activities with your must-have people and experience heightened levels of enjoyment in both realms.
Don’t give up on fun
On top of informal hangouts with friends and family, try to schedule one event per month to fill your cup with the love and joy offered by those closest to you.
Bigger, more extravagant bonding activities could include:
- Saying hello to nostalgia: Meet with loved ones over coffee and come prepared with your favorite memories of one another. There is nothing better than reminiscing over warm drinks and healthy friendships.
- Set aside time for romance: Plan your next date night in the warmth and relaxation of your hot tub. Set the mood with dim lighting and your favorite music as you snuggle up and unwind with your partner.
- Hosting a movie night with friends or family in your spa: Invest in a mini projector, use your propped-up spa cover as a screen, and unwind in the bubbles – oh and don’t forget the popcorn!
- Become an executive chef: Host a potluck and encourage everyone to bring their favorite dishes. Not only will you undoubtedly form amazing memories, but you’ll be able to take part in a delicious meal as well!
- Take part in a stay-cation: ‘Getaways’ don’t need to be expensive. Explore new and exciting cuisines, trails, shops, and activities in your own locale with your dearest friends. Or, if you enjoy a more relaxing stay-cation, skip traveling to the day-spa and unwind in your own backyard with the help of your hot tub.
The short of it…
Social connections provide more than just having someone to text or FaceTime when you’re feeling bored.
Having fruitful, diverse, and meaningful relationships offer a wide array of health benefits ranging from lower levels of anxiety and depression, to increased rates of cancer survival.
Take time to foster existing relationships with those closest to you by engaging in shared interests, or partaking in fun activities like movie nights in your spa!
With a wide world of connections waiting for you, you’ll be sure to find and strengthen friendships with likeminded people in no time.
