What is Social Connection?
Social Connection is a feeling of closeness or belonging, either to other individuals or to a group of people.
Why is it important?
Connecting with others impacts our emotional well-being and mental health. From birth, we need others to care for us, protect us, teach us, and help us to form our social identity. For adults, social connections have a positive impact on physical, emotional and mental health.
Relationships improve overall well-being and sense of life satisfaction as they:
• provide companionship
• help you to feel socially acceptable
• make you happier
• make you feel better about your life and yourself
• provide emotional support
• help you to get through tough times
• provide tangible support such as lending and borrowing, a ride, help with moving, etc.
• provide opportunities for growth as you learn from advice and knowledge that others share
How do you form social relationships?
Realize that it takes time and effort to form positive connections. Finding time out of a busy schedule to catch up with a friend or attend a social gathering at least once in a while will allow for opportunities for social connections. Although most people live very busy lives, it is important to seek out activities to participate in that align with your interests and hobbies. Things you can do to increase opportunities for social connections include:
• become active in your community, volunteer, join a club
• practice skills such as active listening and sharing information about yourself
• take time to nurture existing relationships
• have an open mind
In a time where we need to stay physically distant from others, and we are experiencing higher levels of isolation as a result, social connections can act as protective factors that can lower overall stress. Now more than ever, we must remember to reach out to others both when we feel that we need help and support, and to offer help and support to others.
Readings
Shape Your Happiness – The Importance of Social Connections and Why You Need it in Your Life
15 Ways to Stay Socially Connected for Better Personal Well-being
Social Connection in a Time of Social Distancing
Maintaining Human Connection at a Time of Social Distancing