Social wellness refers to the quality of your relationships with others. Good social wellness means building meaningful, reciprocal connections with family, friends, and your wider community. It’s about feeling supported in ways that increase our ability to handle stress and foster a sense of belonging.
In this article, Plenish Nutritionist Katie Morley explores the often-overlooked concept of social wellness and how nurturing our social health can help us feel our best.
Why is Social Wellness important?
Having positive social connections can improve our emotional resilience, help us maintain a positive outlook on life and support our overall health and longevity.
Here’s a breakdown of why social wellness matters for different aspects of our health:
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Physical Health - Strong social connections may help reduce stress, strengthen immunity, support recovery from illness, potentially lowering the risk of developing chronic diseases.
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Mental Health - Building healthy relationships with others may ease anxiety, increase self-esteem and enhance mood and mental clarity. Research suggests strong social ties may help preserve cognitive function, lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and improving the quality of life for those living with conditions such as dementia.
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Behavioural Health - Supportive social networks may increase motivation, productivity and sense of social inclusion. In turn, this may encourage us to become more involved in community-based activities, further reinforcing a sense of connection and belonging.
What can you do to improve your social well-being?
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Build and Maintain Relationships - Take time to regularly connect with family, friends, and colleagues. Regular check-ins - either by text, call or in-person - along with offering support, listening actively and demonstrating empathy can help strengthen bonds.
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Participate in Meaningful Activities - Choose activities that match your interests and give you the chance to connect with like-minded people. This might involve joining a sports club, music group or book club, or volunteering for causes you care about, such as community gardening, supporting food banks or helping the elderly.
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Prioritise Self-Care - Practice mindfulness by staying present and aware of your thoughts and feelings whenever possible. Activities that help us pause and reset, like yoga, walking, and deep breathing are simple and effective ways to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your routine. On top of this, take care of your physical and mental health by eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, staying active, and getting quality, restorative sleep - all of which benefit social wellness by helping you show up as the best version of yourself.
Author: Plenish Nutritionist, Katie Morley
DipNT, mBANT, mANP, CNHC
Email: katiemorley@holsome.uk
Website: www.holsome.uk