One of the biggest factors impacting the quality of our life and happiness is our social support system.

Social wellness is one aspect of your overall wellness.

The feeling of being connected to others, being able to access the support of others, and belonging to a community determine our level of social wellness.

Of course, everyone has different levels of need for socialization based on each of our personalities, (introverts, extroverts, etc.) But at the end of the day, all humans need some level of community to feel fulfilled.

Our bodies actually produce a hormone called oxytocin which is associated with empathy, trust, and relationship-building.

This neurotransmitter drives us to desire community and feel a connection with others.

The importance of human connection has been proven through evolution. In the days of early humans, isolation led to death. Physically being around other people offered protection and safety. Human beings are stronger in groups. This is why cities were built.

Oxytocin rewards us for the connection with other people.

However, since we do not necessarily need to surround ourselves with others just to survive anymore, the desire for physical connection with people has translated to the desire for social connection.

Belonging to a community of like-minded individuals – whether that community is 2 people or 20 people – increases your social well-being and your overall health.

Studies show that having healthy relationships within a solid social support system can actually lead to a longer, healthier life.

3 Ways to Build Stronger Social Connections (even during a pandemic)

Use Technology

We live in an age of incredible technology. While there can be many disadvantages to the level of technology we have at our fingertips, it can also be incredibly helpful when used in the right ways.

Technology allows us to be more connected to other humans than any other time in history.

You have the ability to talk to and see your loved ones within seconds.

Send a simple text or email. Reach out with a phone call. Schedule a Zoom dinner.

Seek Out Your People

Finding a group of like-minded individuals to connect with on a regular basis is a paramount piece of boosting your social wellness.

Social media groups can be great places to connect with those who have similar interests.

If you have groups that you normally see through sports leagues, game nights, or book clubs, keep the meetings going virtually if you are unable to get together in person.

On the flip side, if you find yourself getting worked up of trolls on social media, or posts by those who are uniformed, unfollow or leave those groups.

Protect your mindset by setting boundaries for yourself.

Put in the Effort

Building and keeping strong social connections doesn’t happen by chance; it takes effort.

It can be so easy to let your connections fall by the wayside during times of quarantines and physical distancing. Our normal means of connecting have been stalled, but that doesn’t mean our connections need to stall too.

Creating new routine and new means of connection can be challenging because it’s new. But the great about humans is that we adapt. The more you do something, the easier it becomes.

Look at Zoom meetings for example. Just a year ago, we were awkward, uncomfortable, and confused by logging into Zoom. Now, virtual meetings have become second-nature.

Take the time and effort to reach out to your loved ones on a regular basis. You don’t have to sit around and wait for them to reach out to you first.

Once you get into a regular routine of connecting in a new way, it will become second-nature, and you’ll be so glad you stuck with it!

Are you looking for a tight-knit community of fellow 30-ish women who are looking to build a healthier lifestyle? Come on over to our free Facebook community, Real and Well Healthy Living Solutions.

See you there!