So it’s Saturday night and you’ve been invited to a dinner party at a friend’s house. Are you riddled with joy and excitement? Can’t wait to see everyone?
Unfortunately, we’re not all blessed with the gift to charm, or work a room.
For some of us, just the idea of being in a social environment is enough to send us running.
As an introvert myself, I understand the struggles of feeling paralyzed in a social setting. A simple conversation might feel like an obstacle that you need to get through.
Maybe like me, the paranoia that everyone is looking at you, waiting for you to say something dumb, completely takes over.
But the truth is ….no one really cares, this is just how we see it.
I truly feel that the people who seem so confident in social gatherings, are just not worried about how others will perceive them. And if they say something wrong, they change the subject and move on from it.
Still, many of us don’t realize (or might pretend we don’t know) the importance of social wellness, and just how limited we can be without it.
Though it might seem like just an extra unnecessary quality to possess, the reality is we could all be better with it.
Social wellness is our ability to interact with others; how we build and maintain healthy relationships. It affects our physical, emotional and mental wellness.
What Are Some Of The Challenges Of Achieving Social Wellness?
Before going about easing social anxiety, you must first pinpoint the things that make you uncomfortable in a social environment. Some of these might be:
- Fear of sounding foolish
- Poor social skills
- Stressful life events or a traumatic social experience
- Being uncomfortable with your appearance
- Not having been exposed to social environments
Not knowing enough about the topics that may be discussed in certain social events, can make you feel like anything you say will sound dumb.
Start reading up on current events and anything else that may interest you. Think of this as an opportunity to educate yourself further.
This will inadvertently transfer into how you interact and communicate in social gatherings.
Practice your social skills with family and people you interact with on a daily basis who won’t judge you, to build more confidence in yourself.
Prioritize self care days and practice healthy eating habits to feel more comfortable in your own skin.
If you’ve been through a traumatic social experience that has caused you to shut down around others, seeking some form of professional therapy can be extremely helpful.
For me, growing up very sheltered played a huge part in my shyness and being an introvert. My friends went out more, and were therefore much more comfortable than I was in social settings.
I was the awkward girl standing in a corner at the party, fearful that someone might try to talk to me and that I would freeze.
How was it so easy for others to be social and seem so confident? What was I missing? What was I doing wrong? Nothing. I was just different.
Thankfully, I discovered some simple ways to help overcome social anxiety.
What Are The Benefits Of Social Wellness?
The key component to achieving social wellness is being comfortable with who you are around others. Stop focusing on getting down on yourself and start accepting yourself the way you are. Things will get much easier once you have.
Try your best to avoid social isolation and making excuses not to engage. Instead, learn to have a little more faith in people and start speaking up without fear.
Remember…. how comfortable we are interacting with people can affect how far we can go in life. We all need the support of others and can benefit from building social networks for our careers as well.
Want to Know The Best Part?
Going through this process will help you embrace who you are, and you’ll realize that the secret to social wellness is simply not worrying about how others see you….but how you see yourself.
You’ll experience better overall health due to less stress and anxiety and form strong support systems for better healing and resilience.
Social Wellness is attainable, and you’ll feel so liberated with each step you take toward it. Though I still wouldn’t consider myself an extrovert, I can now say that I’m a pretty confident introvert!
Here Are 5 Simple Ways To Improve Social Wellness
1. Join a Club/Organization
I’ve always had an interest in learning Italian, so I signed up for a class where I could practice my Italian and meet new people.
I found that I was less nervous and quicker to approach someone who was there for the same reason I was.
Choose something you’re interested in or passionate about.
Already having something in common with others can make you feel more comfortable while you practice your social skills.
2. Get Involved In Your Community
Inquire about some community services you can participate in. I think It’s safe to say that people who are involved in helping their community are generally caring individuals, and can make you feel comfortable when you’re around them.
Surrounding yourself with positive people will make for an overall better social experience.
3. Get Fit With A Friend
One of the best ways to improve social wellness is by joining a fitness class. Whether it’s yoga, Zumba or aerobics, chances are the classes are at least 2-3 times a week, which leaves plenty of room to meet people and socialize.
This consistency will get you used to being in a social setting and prepare you for future events. Not to mention, you’ll also be getting physically fit, so grab a buddy and sign up!
4. Explore Your Neighborhood
Check out neighborhood eateries, bars and coffee shops you’ve already wanted to try. It’s important that you feel comfortable in the environment so if you’re not a nightclub kinda person, maybe try to avoid that scene altogether.
5. Learn Something New
Think of a new skill you’d like to learn and perhaps join a meetup group for it. It can’t hurt to have another topic you’re educated on, and one more thing to talk about at gatherings!
What Steps Will You Take Toward Your Social Wellness?
Adding just one of the activities mentioned here to your daily routine, can improve your social wellness in so many ways. My hope is that this post helps you realize that feeling confident in social events is a very achievable goal!
