Social Health in the time of Coronavirus
So why is social health important?
Social health is defined as the ability to form and sustain meaningful relationships that contribute to your mental wellbeing and emotional development. Social connections are extremely vital to humans because they keep us sane and reduce sentiments of loneliness and helplessness.
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Did you know having healthy social relationships increases life longevity by 50%! Healthy social relationships and a good standing in the community also improves our immunity, overall health and boosts the ‘happy hormones’ oxytocin and serotonin in our system that reduce anxiety and fear whilst increasing feelings of calm and positivity.
It is imperative to stay connected to friends, relatives and other people of importance in our lives, regardless of our prevalent circumstances. Here are some tips that will help you feel connected to your loved ones, despite social distancing and lockdowns:
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Purposeful Online Family Gatherings: Get online and get in touch with your family and loved ones near and far. Share pictures, memories and videos from your childhood and use the interaction to build a digital collage or a family tree that you can go back to and feel uplifted.
Meaningful Calls to Friends: We’re all guilty of losing touch with friends over the years because the daily struggles of life get in the way. Use your time in isolation and social distancing to list out people you’d like to get back in touch with and make a sincere effort to reconnect with them and make it a point to stay connected with them, even when things go back to normal.
Volunteering: Did you know volunteering can be cathartic? Volunteering activities help combat depression, increase self-confidence, boost happy hormones, and provide a sense of purpose. The joy gained from helping others is unlike any other, so reach out to those in need today.
Sign up for online learning: Whether you’re looking to improve your skill set or get back into education, this is a great time to get your mental gears going with an online class. Not only is it a fantastic way to gain knowledge, but you’ll also grow and develop your professional network (and make a friend or two!).
Keep up with your workout: It’s no secret that exercise and workouts help release endorphins. Get the gang together on video call and feel motivated to workout, despite not being able to hit the gym. There are plenty of trainers and instructors offering trial and regular classes via video conferencing during this time. Get moving within the safety of your home, champ!
Join a support group: The best part about having access to the internet at our fingertips is the ease with which we can connect with anyone, regardless of distance. Mentors, life coaches, therapists and counsellors are now available through tele-conferencing, making it easy for us to access support groups that can improve our mental health. If you need help dealing with feelings of negativity and insecurity, joining a support group can help combat those sentiments the right way.
Online games: Games are a fantastic stress-buster. Popular board games have also gone online, making it easier for you to access them and giving you another medium of connection with your friends. Let no one tell you that Candy Crush is a waste of time ;).
Fresh air: Being cooped up in a single space for a long time can leave you feeling claustrophobic and trapped. Follow all protocols and social distancing norms and make it a point to step out every so often for some fresh air. Whether you’re going to the park for a stroll or simply getting your weekly groceries filled in, the outdoors will do you a world of good.