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- Socially isolated people are more susceptible to illness and have a death rate two to three times higher than those who are not socially isolated.

- People who maintain their social network and support systems do better under stress.

- Approximately 20% of Americans feel lonely and isolated during their free time.

- Touching, stroking, and hugging can improve health.

- Laughter really is good medicine.

- Cholesterol levels go up when human companionship is lacking.

- Warm, close friendships cause higher levels of immunoglobulin A (an antibody that helps keep away respiratory infections and cavities.)

- A strong social network can create a good mood and enhance self-esteem.

February 3rd - National Wear Red Day

February 22nd - World Thinking Day

National Wise Health Consumer Month

National Cancer Prevention Month

Just being aware that social well-being is a real and important piece of your overall well-being can make it easier to address. Just like your physical health, you have to make choices and sometimes take deliberate action to improve your well-being.

There are a myriad of ways to make new friends at any stage of life. Did you just get a new job? Great! That comes with new colleagues, some of whom can become friends. Did you just move to a new area? Then you have new neighbors and a new community of people waiting to meet you. Did you get a new dog? That can mean new acquaintances at the dog park who can turn into new friends. There are even apps for friendship!

Taking care of yourself first is like putting your own oxygen mask on first in an airplane before helping another. By investing in ourselves we show up as better friends, partners, colleagues, and parents. If you are providing support for someone who is going through a tough time, ensure you ramp up your own self-care as a proactive measure. Caring for others can take its toll invisibly at first, and later lead to increased stress or burnout. Balance the amount of time you spend by yourself and with time with others. We all need time to recharge — introverts especially!

Inviting a friend on a dog walk or setting a running goal together contributes to your physical well-being, as well as your social well-being. Shared activities can help you bond with your social connections. Look into trying something new together, like aerial yoga, a life drawing class, or watching comedy. Nothing bonds better than laughing!

 Your kids are social creatures who love to play, have adventures, and learn. Bonding with them through activities, quiet moments of stillness, and listening can develop your friendship. This is equally important as your love for one another. 

Healthy relationships start with clear boundaries. These don’t need to be stated outright, but are learned through healthy expressions of what you will and won’t tolerate in a relationship. Tuning into your emotions allows you to feel whether the relationship is balanced, equal, and healthy. If something is bothering you, openly discuss it with the other person. Having a constructive, calm conversation where you feel heard and valued is a sign of a healthy and strong relationship. Otherwise, it might be time to reassess if the relationship is still beneficial. 

Develop regular routines and family traditions that focus on health. Friday night swimming or Saturday morning mindfulness is a great addition to a weekly pizza night! You can create new habits whenever you want. How about creating a gratitude jar where every day you write something you are grateful for, and pop it in the jar. At the end of the month, you can reflect on all the positive things that happened!

The Mindful Body by Ellen J. Langer

A paradigm-shifting book by one of the great psychologists of the twenty-first century, The Mindful Body returns the control over our bodies back to us and reveals that a true understanding of health begins with our minds. 

Don't forget to check out our website with past workshop recordings and newsletters!

This month we are exploring Social Wellness. This dimension is described as " building and nurturing meaningful and supportive relationships with individuals, groups, and communities.” Practicing social wellness helps you develop intimacy with others and create a support network of friends, peers, and family. 

Give new meaning to “fast food”. This recipe can be made in 30 minutes or less!

"This spaghetti-squash-for-pasta swap slashes both carbs and calories by 75% for a delicious, creamy casserole you can feel good about eating. It's worth roasting the squash versus cooking it in the microwave if you have the time: the flavor gets sweeter and more intense."

February 7, 2024 at 7:30 AM (EST)

February 23, 2024 at 4:00 PM (EST)

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