Discussion: Becoming Socially Well
July 1, 2022
Written by: Chiara Noble
Words of Wellness, a counseling group that understood the importance of socializing and building new bonds, founded Social Wellness month. Celebrated in July, it revolves around the concept of self-love and nurturing relationships. Social wellness refers to the role of relationships in overall well-being. It’s about quality connections with friends, family, colleagues, mentors, mentees.
I realize that there were so many ups, downs, highs, and lows associated with it all, as I reflect on the pandemic. I know that many articles have been written, and we have been talking about it for years now. Yet, the after- effects are still lingering. Truth of the matter is that it’s still here! Social media presence overall has increased to an all-time high. In many ways that is the only way some of us have felt comfortable being “social”. There were several months in the early stages of the pandemic where States literally shut down. People who had not given social media a second thought then used it to communicate with each other. Many of us had gotten away from actual telephone conversations. Truth be told, for a while it was unsafe to have “face to face” conversations even with a mask (many of us are still leery of that)
Social wellness is not just about avoiding loneliness or suffering. Social wellness enables us to thrive socially and enhances life based on our relationship with others. Everybody needs somebody. I believe that saying to be true. No matter how strong or independent one might think they are, it feels good to have someone that you can lean on and confide in when the road gets rough. If you are a believer, you know the Lord will never leave or forsake you.
However, we also are given five senses for a reason, two of which resonate with me the most when I think about Social wellness. Touch and hearing. Something as simple as a handshake or high five to the more intimate-being a hug, kiss or any physical interaction can leave a lasting impact on someone. Hearing is just as important. Think about the sounds of music with or without words, or a conversation. There is something about certain sounds that can lighten even the darkest of moods.
So here we are, halfway through the year of 2022 (it went fast, huh?). It’s hard to believe that we have become so socially crippled that we are still navigating the waters. Trying to get back to some sense of normalcy as it relates to our social wellbeing. Children are having difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships and have had a difficult time reintegrating back into the school buildings.
Adults have been struggling just the same. Trying to not only cope with basic day-to-day interactions but trying to feel comfortable dealing with the “new normal”. Folks who live and suffer with mental health conditions have been experiencing increased difficulty with the isolation and loneliness associated with quarantine. There is hope, however, there is always hope. I want to share a few ways to help us all become more socially well.
-If you are a dog owner, walk your pet every day in a public place where there are other people out and about.
-Join a gym or an exercise group. Exercising with others provides a good icebreaker for conversation.
-Volunteering is a great way to meet others who share your same passions.
-Find an interest group that meets regularly and works on their hobbies.
-Go back to school or take a class.
-Attend a house of worship.
These are just a few ways that we can be more intentional about this. In a culture of individualism and success, it’s easy to become complacent with relationships. But it is a proven that we are all stronger together, and our relationships with others go a long way to our overall happiness. So do your best and do your part. Most importantly, Be Well!
Thank you for joining me for Friday at Sundown. Remember… Just Breathe!
Social Support & Wellness | Chandra Story | TEDxOStateU - YouTube
(Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to the motivational speech in this video)
Resources:
Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America
https://www.mhanational.org Mental Health Month | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental … https://nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/...
NIMH » Home https://www.nimh.nih.gov
About the Writer:
Chiara A. Noble: Is a visionary, a woman of many talents who wears many hats. She is an ordained minister, wife, mother, daughter, sister. A published author and the co-host of Victory Talk, a virtual talk show centered around helping people to grow, speak and live a victorious life. She has faced many trials/tribulations but lives by the saying “storms make trees take deeper roots.”
Contact: https://Vlfministrys.org
Email: chiara.noble@vlfministrys.org