July is Social Wellness Month
As social creatures by nature, our relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and community members are vital to our health and longevity. People with healthy relationships are more likely to make positive choices that lead to better mental and physical health. Stable and supportive relationships also provide the needed support to cope with life's challenges.
Our social connections play a crucial role in reducing the risk of serious health problems, such as: heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression and anxiety.
Social connections can also improve: our ability to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, healthy eating habits and physical activity, quality of sleep, and overall health and well-being.
Let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones against diseases and enhance our mental health by building and keeping strong social connections. Try to prioritize quality time with your friends and family, reach out to others when you need support, or join community activities and events.
Conversation is a powerful coping tool. Taking time to talk with our friends, neighbors, and loved ones about their feelings and concerns can help relieve their stress and encourage resilience. Yet sometimes we don’t know how to start a conversation with a friend or loved one, when they might need it.
When you can’t find the right words to start a meaningful conversation with someone, here are some questions you can try. How are you feeling? How’s it going for you these days? How are you keeping in touch with family or friends? What are you doing to take care of yourself?
These are some things to keep in mind while you’re having a meaningful conversation. Be flexible about the format by having a conversation over the phone, in person, or through video chat. Be ready to listen and put aside things that may be distracting. Ask open-ended questions, you may want to share your own experiences first to get things going. Show your concern and support. We all need to be heard and validated. Use phrases like “I understand” or “I’m with you” or “That sounds rough, how can I help?” End on a positive note. Close with some hopeful words and make a plan to stay connected.
As part of Social Wellness Month, take steps to build and maintain high-quality relationships for a healthier life. Set aside some time to reach out to someone in your life who may benefit from a supportive and meaningful conversation. Find out more about the importance of social connection and how to create new, meaningful relationships at CDC.gov/social-connectedness.
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.