definetion - social health
Answers
Social health is commonly defined as your ability to form meaningful relationships with other people and interact in healthy, positive ways. The way you connect to the people around you, adapt to different social situations, and experience a sense of belonging all contribute to your social health.
Social health is important enough that the World Health Organization includes it in their definition of health: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” That’s because having meaningful relationships with other people can reduce stress and provide a sense of security that promotes good emotional health.
Research has shown that social health also impacts your physical health. According to this article, people who have less social involvement are more likely to experience drastic health problems than those who experience more social involvement. The article suggests that “supportive social ties may trigger physiological sequelae (e.g., reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones) that are beneficial to health.” That’s why it’s so important to consider your social health as part of your overall wellbeing!
How You Can Improve Yours
If you think your social health could use a little boost, try these tips!
Start small. If becoming more social makes you nervous, practice your social skills with people you already know to build your confidence.
Try these tips to meet new people!
- Be yourself. Trying to change your personality to make more friends will prove exhausting and ultimately fruitless. You already have a lot to offer, so be yourself as you work to build your social life.
- Find people who share your interests. For example, if you like reading, you could join a book club or sign up for a local writing class. If you’re a runner, find yourself a running partner. If you’re an artist, seek out other creative people. Because you’ll already have something in common, it will be easier to form an initial connection.
- Focus on quality, not quantity. It’s great to have a lot of friends, but it’s important to remember that meaningful, positive relationships are most valuable.
- Choose friends who will encourage you to make healthy choices. Surrounding yourself with people who want to see you succeed will help you reach your goals!