Reunite This July for Social Wellness Month

As the availability of vaccines spreads, the world is slowly beginning to open back up again. For months, many people have been separated from their closest loved ones and friends. Although people have been able to connect over webcams and online meetings, nothing can replace human-to-human interaction. Gradually a return to normalcy has begun, and you can nurture those relationships that have had to take a backseat since last March. Now more than ever it is time to put relationships with others and yourself first, just in time for Social Wellness Month this July.

This month, plan out activities that you can do with your social circle. Find time to put your social wellbeing first. Studies have shown that your social health can have an impact on your overall happiness. You can strengthen your relationships with group activities or even by taking the time to help someone you love.

After months inside you may be wondering where to start, or perhaps you had to move during the pandemic and are no longer surrounded by your friends. Expanding your social circle as an adult is not always easy, however, there are some tips you can try to grow your social network.

Improving Your Social Wellness with Others

When choosing an activity to do with or for others, it is important to find something that everyone can benefit from. No one should feel like they are being forced into doing something that they are not comfortable with. Checking in with your friend’s comfort level is important to make sure everyone is having a good time. Here are some fun activities that you may want to give a try:

Exercise Outside

Gather the family for a fun group activity outside, this can be something as simple as jump roping, or a hike. Find something that allows the whole family to spend quality time together and won’t exclude anyone in the group.

Volunteer to Help Out a Friend

Nobody likes getting that “can you help me out?” text, however it can feel good to help a friend when they need it. Even helping them with a small task can be memorable, and something they won’t forget. And they may even feel inclined to help you out when you need it in the future.

Cook Together

There is nothing that can bring people together more than a delicious meal. Take a cooking class, or even come up with something of your own creation. The most important thing is that everyone has fun not only making the food but eating it too!

Read a Book

Reading can be a solitary act or one shared with others. If you are a parent, you likely read to your children at night. As adults, you are less likely to read to your partner, however, there is something special about sitting next to the person you love in silence as you both read something you enjoy.

Finding New Friends

Expanding your social circle after your mid-twenties can be difficult, especially considering most people are still working from home and lacking interoffice relationships. However, there are plenty of ways you can make new friends. Here are just a few:

Join a gym:If you are someone who enjoys working out, finding a friend in the gym is perfect. You will always have a spotter available!

Go to the Dog Park:While the dogs have fun, many people take the time to interact with fellow canine lovers.

Volunteer: Find an organization you are passionate about and offer to volunteer, you are likely to find someone to bond with over your shared passion.

Look Online: There is many opportunities to find social support groups online with people that share your interests. Check out a page in your area and you may find someone worth talking to.

Your social health can have a big impact on your overall well-being. Put the time into your relationship with others and yourself.

Your Turn to Action: What group activity do you like to do with friends? Let me know in the comments below.