Social health is as important as physical health!
by Elaine Book
One of my recent favorite books on this topic is “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study on Happiness” by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz.
The findings of their research indicate that the frequency and the quality of our contact with other people are two major predictors of happiness. But how do we begin to examine our relationships and their role in our happiness? They suggest creating a map of your social universe. Start with asking yourself “Who is in my life?” Once you have that list, you can look at the character of these relationships by looking at the frequency and quality of the contact by thinking about how a relationship makes you feel (energized or depleted) and how often that happens (frequent or infrequent). Checking in with each relationship can help us appreciate those who enrich our lives and also help us to see which relationships we want to work on improving.
For a full explanation of this exercise, check out this excellent article:
https://goop.com/ca-en/wellness/relationships/what-makes-for-a-good-life/
My second recent favorite book on this topic is “The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World” by Sharon Brous. Among the many messages, she emphasizes investing in relationships and building community. At the end of her book, she lists several practices to transform inspiration into action and live every day more meaningfully and to the fullest.
Here is a snapshot:
Show up for others in joy and in sorrow. Show up for the small inconveniences of life, not just the grand gestures and err on the side of presence.
Meet your neighbors. Start by taking a walk around the block. It could be the beginning of a friendship or at the very least, help you to feel more connected to people closest in proximity to you.
Start by serving, “How can I be of service today? What can I do to help another person?” Just asking these questions will awaken you to the many daily opportunities we all have to do something small for another person. When we make a habit of this, we may discover purpose.
Take a joy break. Just a few minutes each day to consciously do something you love.
Don’t grin and bear it, tell the truth. Don’t pretend to be okay when you are not. Allow yourself to be cared for. It is a sign of connectedness.
A book I have not yet read but looks like it may become my third favorite book on this topic is ”The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier and Happier” by Kasley Killam.
Until the next blog on this topic, think about this question:
What is one way you can foster a meaningful connection?
