Fundamentally we are social animals. We all need connection. Isolation and loneliness set the conditions for despair and depression. Feeling connected allows us to feel a sense of belonging, wanted and cherished. Now is a good time to review your relationships and strengthen them. In the world of psychology we call this social support. Social support is the belief and actuality that a person is cared for, has assistance from other people and is part of a supportive group e.g. family, friends, neighbours, co-workers and community. In addition pets can provide social support! With social support comes, friendship, practical and emotional support.
With emotional support we offer and receive concern, affection, love, empathy, trust, and encouragement. In essence, support brings warmth and nurturance. These are the fundamental building blocks to us growing and maturing in an emotionally healthy way. They are the essential building blocks to metal fitness and resilience.
Psychological Wellbeing
Psychological research has shown that having good levels of social support has distinct health benefits – both physical and emotional. For example, social support has been demonstrated to increase psychological wellbeing in the workplace and in response to significant life events, to reduce anxiety and depression and to promote psychological adjustment in conditions with chronic high stress including rheumatoid, arthritis, cancer, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Indeed individuals with low social support report more symptoms of depression and anxiety than do people with high social support.
Physical Wellbeing
Social support has been shown to be linked to positive physical health outcomes in individuals. Indeed people with low social support are at a much higher risk of death from a variety of diseases (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease), while people with higher social support have an increased likelihood for survival. Having studied heart disease it is interesting to know that higher rates of social support is linked with faster recovery from coronary artery surgery and predicts less clogging of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and can slow the progression of an already diagnosed cardiovascular disease.
When it comes to connecting here are my top two tips;
Say Yes To New Experiences. If asked to an event, say yes. Look at your connections in your life, and get involved or strengthen them such as friends, hobbies, volunteer groups, sports, social events. Check Volunteer Ireland – Your will get more out than you will give – www.volunteer.ie. Get involved, the risk is worth it.
Be open to new experiences. Take your courage in your hands and get out of your comfort zone. It’s when you are out of your comfort zone that great things happen, nothing grows in the comfort zone including you.
