Social Wellness Month, Staying Connected!
July is Social Wellness Month. Although we should be adhering to social wellness just about every day, we sometimes forget, therefore, we are sending a friendly reminder from this blog post to help give that nudge. Even though uncertain times are still on the horizon and do not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, it is still essential to be a little social to maintain one’s sanity. Even if we should not be out and about as we used to, we can still enjoy some of the people and things we used to in our new normal, and July’s theme makes it the perfect month to do so.
Social Wellness
Social wellness pertains to the relationships we have and our interactions with them. It is about building and nurturing relationships that we have in our lives. The relationships could be with others, with pets, with ourselves, but no matter what they all should be suitable to our overall well-being.
Positive relationships that have us to smile and feel good more than not helps one to live longer. According to the National Institute of Health, one way to live a long, fulfilling life is to make positive connections that one nurtures that will keep them going long and strong for years.
Due to COVID-19 social wellness may look a little different this year, but that is O.K, social wellness can mix with social distancing and workout just fine. Here are a few ways to stay connected with others or oneself during these precarious times.
1. Connect Online
o These days with Skype, Zoom, Teams, GoToMeeting, Webex, Houseparty, Face Time, Google Meet, and the endless other available tools, it is too easy to communicate with an associate or friend online to fulfill their social interaction needs.
o Regardless of age one, technology allows anyone who would like to participate in engaging with others the opportunity to partake.
2. Connect via Phone
o Most people are a phone call away, pick up the phone and call someone, leave a voice message, or a video one. The good ole telephone or cellphone is still in style.
o Send a text
§ to an individual or a part of an ongoing group of supporters, friends, or family.
3. Connect via Walking/Exercising
o Everyone knows how important exercise is to live a healthy lifestyle. Well, just because we are on pause does not mean we cannot meet-up in person. We can still walk, hike, run errands together at the allotted distance. (while adhering to guidelines)
o Virtual Training App
§ Seeking to meet new folks or try something different sign-up to a virtual training app and work-out online with their programs or trainers. Companies like Peloton are offering free classes to prospective customers to entice them to purchase the bike. In this day in age, no one needs to step foot inside a gym again. There is motivation, and endless coaches around that are able and ready to help. Check out NCFIT for a great workout,Glo for yoga and Strava for your running or cycling goals.
4. Online Book Club
o If you like to read, there are book-clubs all over the place online, lending an opportunity to talk about a good book and meet new people in the process. Join an online book club. The Monthly Book Club is a great place to start. They all congregate in a FB group.
5. Virtual Museum Tours
o Gather your friends together or go by yourself on a virtual tour to National Museums throughout the world. The good thing is you do not have to worry about a thing because you are heading to all these wonderful places virtually.
Conclusion
In conclusion, no matter how much social distancing we are required to do, it is imperative to keep healthy, positive, and safe relationships whether with family, friends, or co-workers. Social Wellness Month is the little reminder we all need to let us know how essential it is to maintain connections throughout life and especially during this time. Relationships with our pets and ourselves are meaningful, too; just make sure all associations are beneficial and nurturing to your body, soul, and spirit.
Question to ponder on:
What ways, will you add social wellness to your social distancing, so that you can have an enjoyable month?
Reference:
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/05/opportunities-abound-moving-around