Did you know that social interaction can lead to a better quality of life and possibly even a longer life?
While socializing can sometimes feel overwhelming for some of us, there are many benefits to being socially healthy.
Being able to connect with others, whether at a work event or simply having dinner with a friend, can drastically improve your mental health.
Why is Being Social Important for Mental Wellness?
Studies have shown that maintaining close friendships could help prevent mental decline and lower rates of depression.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge advocate for the importance of me- time.
However, there’s no denying that when I’m feeling down about something, being around others who can lift my spirits can feel like a life saver.
We tend to get in our own heads and overanalyze things to death. Someone on the outside looking in, may be able to clear things up for us…or at least help us see that it’s not as bad as we think.
In this article, I share 6 great ways being social can boost your mental wellness!
1. Sharing Experiences
When we open up to others and share how we’re feeling, we may find that we have something in common.
Knowing that someone else can relate to your specific situation can help ease mental stress. Suddenly, you’re not alone and can gain a better perspective on your dilemma.
In addition, you may be given some helpful advice on how to go about resolving your issue. Having an outlet and a supportive circle of friends is extremely beneficial to your mental wellness.
2. Environment
When we think of socializing, environment comes to mind. Going out with friends to a nice, beautifully lit restaurant or listening to live music in a big open space, can boost your mood and send positive vibes to your brain.
Taking yourself out of your comfort zone and accepting an invitation out, can result in wonderful experiences, including meeting new people.
So the next time your friends invite you out, say yes and keep in mind that you’re contributing to your mental health!
3. Listening
Like sharing your experience with someone, listening to someone else’s problems can also be rewarding.
Being there for others gives us a sense of purpose and can also teach us something new. For example, we may suggest a solution that could also be applied to a situation in our own lives.
Think of a time when someone came to you for advice and you were able to help them out; it’s a great feeling!
This feeling can help us form a strong, positive mindset and give us the confidence to voice our opinions more often.
4. Laughter
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins and is the best medicine for literally anything, including mental wellness.
Being in a social setting , either with family or friends, and sharing funny situations you have all found yourselves in, is always a good time.
Find more ways to add laughter to your days while engaging with others. This could be going to a comedy show with friends or playing fun board games together.
5. Dressing Up
Hygiene is usually one of the first things to be neglected when we’re not mentally well. Being social gives us an excuse to groom ourselves and dress up.
I get all my favorite hair, skin and nail products together and have a ball!
So take a nice long bath, put on some makeup, perfume, and pick out a great outfit. Feeling put together can instantly make us feel more confident, which can lead to better mental wellness.
6. Inspiration
Being around others who are productive and positive-minded can inspire us to do better. I started my morning pages (a type of journaling), because I went for brunch with a friend who mentioned how beneficial it had been for her.
After a couple of months of getting comfortable writing, I started a blog about what matters most to me; improving quality of life through mental wellness, and I love it!
I was inspired by her experience and it has led me on this wonderful journey . Social interaction is a great way to get inspiration from others and apply it to our own lives.
How Will You Use Social Interaction To Boost Your Mental Wellness?
I hope you found this article helpful for boosting your own mental wellness. Remember that social interaction can lead to a lighter mood and feeling happier in general. So whether being social comes naturally to you or not, consider the benefits it will have on your overall well being.
The next time you’re out at a social gathering, try some of the tips mentioned above and see how they make you feel.
Please share any of your own tips on how being social can affect mental wellness in the comments, I would love to hear from you!
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321019#Social-motivation-and-brain-power
