Social connection and self-care
Socialization is key to self-care. But it's often difficult to make time for friends, and it's easy to neglect relationships when life gets busy.
There is no set number of hours you should spend with friends or developing your relationships. Everyone has slightly different social needs. It's important to determine what your social needs are and fit enough time into your schedule to create an optimal social life.To assess your social care, consider:
- Do you spend enough face-to-face time with friends?
- What do you do to maintain relationships with friends and family?
When we think of self-care, several examples immediately come to mind. We think about the physical and psychological aspects of self-care. Examples may include exercising, eating healthy, sleeping well, meditating, journaling, and attending counseling sessions.
The benefits of these activities are well known. Another equally important aspect of self-care is our social connections and relationships with others.
Research has shown that nurturing and maintaining quality relationships can help reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve health. These relationships may include those with your partner, friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors.
For some, these relationships may extend to organized sports and religious gatherings. By surrounding ourselves with people who we care about and who care about us, we feel connected and supported.
Social ties can be a preventive medicine against mental problems. As well, it can benefit and facilitate recovery in those who are currently affected.
Some suggestions for the development of social aspects of self-care:
Intentionally connecting with others:
A huge aspect is maintaining and improving the connections we already have. Put forth a conscious effort into spending quality time with our loved ones. Take the initiative to visit friends, have coffee with old colleagues, or organize a small meeting.
Be present in your daily interactions, demonstrate empathy, and show compassion. Make sure you show your love to others consistently.
Get a pet:
A pet can be a source of good friendship and unconditional love. Pets can also facilitate social relationships between people.
Pets provide opportunities to get outside, meet other people, interact with other pet owners, and can help us form new friendships.
Meet new people:
To meet new people in our time there are many ways available. One solution is to increase opportunities to interact with others.
We can connect with others with similar interests by joining a club, attending festivals and concerts, or volunteering for an organization that has a cause that is important to us.
There are also many different apps and websites where we can meet other people, either in groups or in person.
See a therapist:
If you need additional support, consider seeing a qualified mental health professional. They will be able to provide you with tools to help you expand and deepen your social connections.
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