Social wellness is easily defined as following the idea that it is better to contribute to the common good in our relationships and community than to think solely of ourselves – to see the needs and happiness of others as a priority as well.  In doing this we create harmony with others and our environment instead of living in conflict with them. 

In life, it is important to know the impact you have on nature, your community, and the individuals you interact with. We all have a responsibility to take an active roll in improving our world by encouraging healthy environments and communicating better with those around us! In doing so, we actively create and preserve the incredible beauty and balance of life and nature.  In fact, most people who maintain a positive social support system do much better under stress while socially isolated people are more susceptible to illness and even often have a higher instance of death.  However, there are practices and tools, such as regular meditation, which can help those isolated individuals find peace while building a healthy social network. 

Social wellness is about accepting, having positive interactions, and enjoying being with others. It is having comfort and ease in communicating our feelings and needs to others, creating and growing close friendships and intimacy, having empathy and truly listening, caring for others, putting them first, and allowing others to do the same for you. It is recognizing the need to get out, have fun, and scheduling time for those activities with the people you care for.  Too often the burdens and stresses of life hinder us from making social plans and those we care about a priority: that outing with friends or date night with your wife/husband.

Many find this concept difficult however there is an array of simple and effective ways to create lasting, loving, meaningful relationships in your life as well as social wellness in our world.  We all have free-will and the power to make choices to enhance our life, relationships, friendships, our community, the environment and, ultimately, the world. Think about it, when is the last time you:

• Donated and/or Participated in a community growing event or cause?
• Gave a compliment?  Out of the blue, even to a stranger?  With no intention of gain?
• Gave someone a gift when it wasn’t a holiday, their birthday, anniversary, etc.?
• Actually returned the shopping cart to the stall?
• Smiled?
• Genuinely said “Thank you”
• Taught someone how to do something?
• Gave someone a hug?
• Told someone you love and appreciate them?
• Gave in to someone’s wants or needs other than your own?
• Thought about how you could benefit someone or your community and done it?
  

CHALLENGE: Do all of the above and one you think of yourself at least once within a weeks time!

Did you know:

• Physical contact has an amazing impact on improving health (Hug, Kiss, Touch, etc)
• Laughter really is good medicine
• Health diminishes when human companionship is lacking
• Strong social networks can create positive mood and even enhance self-esteem

We have the opportunity to live our lives consciously and make those choices that will ultimately change the world against all the odds and difficulties.  However, for the most part, our goal is not to “save the world,” but to live in it, lovingly and humble - striving to make the world better.  We can make our friendships, families, neighborhoods, and world more dignified. We must dedicate ourselves each and every day to being kind, thoughtful, courageous human beings!  See you there…