When we talk about social well being, we are referring to the relationships we have and how we interact with people. Social wellness involves building healthy, nurturing and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around us. Conscious actions are important when learning how to balance our social life with our academic and professional ones.
A person who is socially healthy has skills to socialize as appropriate, is confident in their own skin, and is able to function in all situations that involve interacting with other people. Having a supportive social network allows us to develop assertive skills and become comfortable with who we are in social situations.
As you begin your route to social wellness, you will discover that you have the power to enhance your personal relationships. Maintaining social wellness allows you to practice empathy and active listening. There are many ways for you to start your journey on the right route! Here are some of the most important steps and suggestions on how to enhance your social wellness:
Know your needs
What someone might find important may seem irrelevant to you and vice versa, we all have unique needs. Learn to identify what your needs are so you don't feel the pressure to perform in an environment you don't enjoy or care about. In other words, speak your needs directly, with compassion and from the heart.
Reach out
Offering friendship to people is the first step to social wellness. Without this initiative, it will be difficult for you to take advantage of potentially fruitful relationships. Consider joining groups and clubs that focus on your interests. Explore other routes that may present certain possibilities for you, such as volunteer work, hobbies or travel.
Accept conflict as something normal
Perfection only exists in Hollywood. Disagreements happen all the time, we are all humans! Unless we are referring to severe problems (i.e., unfaithfulness, abuse, addictions, legal problems, or violence), don't throw away a relationship because you've hit a rough patch. Trust and commitment deepen as you travel through storms together.
Learn to build and stay in healthy relationships
These relationships involve people you care about and who care about you and your well-being. In general, these people are those from whom you feel nurture and support. Since there is trust and compassion, you feel safe and satisfied, two of the main ingredients for social wellness.
Don't feel the pressure to conform
Conformity is required in the society we live in, however, cooperating with standards doesn't necessarily mean changing yourself and becoming a person you are not, or hanging with people who you don’t really like. Always remember that your happiness resides within you—not a relationship, a job, or a perfect set of circumstances.
Learn to communicate effectively
Being able to communicate well is a vital component of social wellness; this is generally how you initiate relationships in the first place. Nonverbal communication should reinforce what is being said, not contradict it, so make sure you pay attention to what your body language transmits as well.
Nobody attains perfection in this life, mainly because life is all about process and evolution, that’s what makes it so fun! You (and only you) can determine your self-worth, and perceive perfection in terms of your satisfaction and your happiness. As you keep this in mind, notice the difference when interacting with other people, this will provide you with a great deal of social wellness. You have only one life to live, so go out into your community and make a difference!