Welcome to Day 13 of the Wellbeing 9-a-Day blog! In the past two articles, we have looked at Nourishing and Self-caring, the first two habits included in Your Relationships. In today’s blog, we are going to look at the importance of Connecting with others and building strong relationships.
The Benefits of Connecting with Others
In today’s world, it is easier than ever to stay connected with friends and family. But while technology has made it possible to send a message from Whitley Bay to Byron Bay in less time than it takes to lick an envelope, there is still no substitute for connecting with other people in person.
Connecting with real people benefits our health and wellbeing, as creating stronger connections reduces the risk of developing long-term health conditions, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Connecting with others also increases self-esteem, empathy, trust, and cooperation, and it can even strengthen your immune system!
While connecting with others generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional, and physical wellbeing, the opposite is true for those who lack social connectedness. Loneliness and isolation are two of the largest causes of poor mental health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that a lack of social connection is more damaging to your health than obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.
By building a habit of connecting with others daily, you can ensure that you are never truly alone.
Just A Check In and a Well Done
As the youngest of four children born in 5 years, I never had to look far to find someone to connect with. As I have moved through life, I’ve been blessed with more than enough friends for my wants and needs, and I know that for the most part I have not necessarily held up my end of the bargain.
I can be an easy person to like, but a hard person to truly get to know.
The person I have spent the most time with over the past 15 years has initiated 99% of our conversations. As we studied, worked, lived, and hung out together during this time, believe me when I say that I have not pulled my weight when it comes to initiating contact. Not too long ago, he said to me, ‘You’ll never know how much you mean to me.’ My response, ‘You tell me how much I mean to you all time… It’s you who’ll never know how much you mean to me.’
Now, I am working to leave that non-communicative version of myself behind. The Wellbeing 9-a-Day Journal has helped me recognise my shortcomings and remind me to make an effort to connect with others each day.
Even if it is just a check in and a well done, I am yet to regret making the effort to connect with someone from my life, and I will continue to build the habit of connecting with others as I continue my journey towards transformed health and wellbeing.
Call to Action
Connect with someone you care about today. This could be someone you see every day or someone you haven’t seen in years. You could see them in person, speak to them over the phone, or send them a message in whatever way seems best to you. The important thing is that you make a conscious effort to connect with someone else. Even if they don’t reply, you know that you have made the effort, and sometimes… that is all you can do.
This blog was written as part of a 90-day blog writing fundraiser for Live Well with Cancer, a volunteer-led charity serving North Tyneside and the surrounding areas. If you enjoyed this blog, please show your appreciation by donating to my JustGiving page. Every penny raised from donations or sales of the journal will help deliver workshops, events and support groups that empower better health and wellbeing for those affected by cancer, including family, friends, carers, and healthcare workers.
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