6 ways you can enhance social connections for Social Wellness month

by Jen Fisher and Anh Phillips, co-authors of Work Better Together

July is Social Wellness month and it serves as an important reminder that relationships are vital to all aspects of our health and well-being. In fact, a Harvard Study of Adult Development gathered a wide range of data on the mental and physical health of hundreds of people and concluded that close relationships, more than money or fame, are critical to mental and physical health, happiness, and longevity.

Humans are social creatures so we should be pro’s at social connection, right? Not entirely. Our steady progression toward a tech-heavy, always-on society has impacted our ability to authentically connect with others. This has also contributed to a rise in loneliness , that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic.???

We know that relationships are important and we’re aware of the barriers to building them, so what can we do about it? Here are 6 ways you can enhance social well-being in all aspects of your life:

• Make friends at work: There’s a reason that we wrote an entire book about building meaningful relationships at work ! Considering that we spend a third to half of our waking hours in any given week at work, the workplace is a critical place for developing these meaningful connections that we all need to thrive. Additionally, social connection at work is not only good for your personal health and wellness, it’s also good for business because it enhances creativity, innovation, and productivity. Try building in time in your schedule to regularly connect with your team members personally and get to know them better.
• Mind your technology: Technology is a two-way street. It can help you connect with loved ones from afar, but it also can distract you from those nearby. The key is to use it intentionally. When you’re in person with friends, family, or colleagues, put away your phone and/or computer so you can be present and engaged. Try creating no-tech zones at home, like the dinner table, so you can create space to connect with loved ones on a daily basis.
• Connect on shared interest: It’s no secret that as you get older it can become harder to make new friends. And nurturing the ones you already have can be difficult when life’s many responsibilities get in the way. Making time to focus on your hobbies and passions are important to your holistic well-being, and they can also create opportunities to expand your social circle by connecting you with like-minded individuals through volunteering, interest groups, or religious/cultural gatherings.
• Get out of your comfort zone: While shared interests can create an immediate bond with others, another great way to connect with new people is to try something new! Getting out of your comfort zone not only helps you build personal resilience; it also gives you the chance to meet people that you may not have otherwise. Try learning something new by taking a class, try a new sport, or a new hobby.
• Reach out to reconnect: Whether it’s a school friend, a distant relative, or a past colleague, reaching out to those that you haven’t connected with in a while is a great way to enhance social wellness in your life. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, even dropping an email or a quick text can help revive a relationship that may not be getting the nurturing it needs.
• Don’t forget about those closest to you: It’s easy to take for granted the people we spend our day-to-day lives with, like family, close-friends, and team members. Just because you spend a lot of time with these people daily doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carve out time to intentionally connect with them. Whether it’s hosting a virtual social hour with your team, going for a walk with your spouse or partner, or going to a museum with your kids, don’t forget to make time for those who know you best!