When
I say “social network,” I don’t mean electronic communications over an app or a
website. I mean in-person, real-time experiences. Besides being a lot of fun, the
process of cultivating and fostering your social network can generate benefit
for everyone involved.
Your social network includes family and friends, as well as members of a shared support group, church, or other social group (a knitting circle, Zumba class, or your golf buddies). It also includes acquaintances you make each and every day. While every individual has different needs when it comes to interacting with others (depending on whether you are an introvert or extrovert), it is still important that we all have the social support we want and need.
The
beautiful thing about socializing is that there are tons of opportunities to do
it every day, and if you do it right (especially when you don’t feel like it),
you will feel happier, more energized, and more motivated than if you isolate
yourself. While it’s important to have a regular social network of loved ones,
family, friends, and acquaintances, you can also derive much benefit each time
you come into contact with any other human being. This can be especially
powerful if you are able to share a little kindness or a smile with someone who
is grumpy or sad.
Humans are social beings, and there’s no paucity of research on the benefits of social interaction. People who have close friends, belong to a support network or church, or have close ties to family are at lower risk for depression and anxiety and tend to have better health than those who claim to be an island. Here are some examples:
- Double your weight loss.
- Boost your brainpower.
- Get sick less often.
- Be happier, less lonely, and more empowered.
- Ease stress.
Here are some of my favorite ways to interact
with and nurture the people in your busy life…
Schedule “friend night” for dinner once a week. Not only will these dinners be an opportunity to increase your connection with family and friends, you’ll share a delicious meal and an enlightened way of life with your loved one. Cook something simple at home…then make your friend extra-happy by sending him or her home with leftovers.
Share
your goals with your friends and love ones. It will help you remain
accountable. And will give you something far more meaningful to talk about than
just the weather and latest celebrity gossip.
Write
thank-you notes. Think back over the past few months and list
five people who did something nice for you. It doesn’t have to be a big
gesture. Maybe a food server was particularly attentive. Maybe a friend called
to see how you were doing. Grab a note card or head to the store and pick out
five cards and write each person a thank-you note. Make the notes all about
them and how much their gestures meant to you. If you don’t know someone’s
address, personally hand it to that person.
Use
this affirmation as a daily reminder: “I enjoy being in the
presence of others. We are all unique human beings and each of us has a
purpose. I appreciate the loving relationships I am surrounded with.”
Click here to buy Joel Harper’s book, Mind Your Body: 4 Weeks to a Leaner, Healthier Life.