It’s safe to say that people are more connected than ever in our digitally driven world. Just because people can connect digitally in seconds, does that mean that they are making meaningful, social connections on a regular basis? Now is the time to create a supportive social network, both digitally and in-person. In this article, we delve into the concept of social health and different practical strategies that help foster social engagement to achieve holistic wellness. 

What Is Social Health? 

As much as you do not want to believe it, social health is an essential part of your overall well-being. Often referred to as social wellness, social health relates to the connection and need for community. Most people achieve this through relationships with family and friends. It’s the sense of belonging that comes from connecting with these groups of like-minded people who support, value, and love you. In simpler terms, social health comes from the relationships you build with others and the connection those relationships provide.

Social health is supported by five pillars, all of which work to keep the structure (your well-being) intact. We’ll detail them below:

• Communication skills: The ability to communicate clearly is paramount to build healthy social interactions. If you can communicate effectively, you can express your thoughts and feelings. You can also listen actively and understand where others are coming from, a practice that fosters great social connections. 
• Quality of relationships: Your goal should not be to have as many social connections as possible. It’s about quality, not quantity. The quality relationships are the ones in which you feel safe, heard, seen, and completely understood. These relationships are the ones that enhance your health. 
• Ecosystem of social support: It’s very common for people to rely on different support systems to navigate life’s more difficult challenges. These support systems essentially form an ecosystem of strong connections, in which you can find guidance, reassurances, and companionship. You often become more resilient with the people around you in these ecosystems. 
• The role of community engagement: Humans are social creatures, which explains the joy you receive when you are part of a strong community. Being a community member gives you the assurance that you are part of something larger than yourself. 
• Boundaries and self-care: Without healthy boundaries, you cannot foster optimal social health. You have to know when to say no, and understand that your social network will respect your decision. Boundaries help ensure that your limits are respected by peers and that helps create a healthier, stronger social life.

The Benefits Of Strong Social Health

It is clear that social health plays a role in helping individuals create more meaningful lives. There are numerous benefits to having a strong social support system, from your mental health to physical well-being. Read on to learn more about them: 

• Social support offers comfort, or a sense of belonging, that helps boost self-esteem and confidence. 
• Supportive relationships not only positively impact your productivity levels, but also enhance accountability. 
• Strong social networks tend to help people handle stress more effectively and reduce the likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression. 
• Social support works to keep mental health in check and may increase productivity. 
• Leveraging social support can lead to an overall more fulfilling life and enjoyable experiences. 
• Belonging to supportive social circles can improve both mental and physical health. 
• It’s possible for individuals to experience a reduced risk of chronic illnesses and stronger immune function when they have strong social connections. 

Integrating Social Health Into Your Daily Life

As detailed in the previous bullet points, it is clear that maintaining social health benefits you in numerous ways. Unfortunately, it is often easier said than done, especially considering the modern reliance on digital technology. Yes, technology can enhance connectivity, but it also can promote isolation and detract from social health. The constant accessibility can blur the line between work and real life, which can lead to burnouts or strained relationships. 

Social media tends to foster feelings of inadequacy, not empowerment. Navigating the social media landscape can be very tricky, which is why online interactions are often less meaningful and supportive than offline interactions. If you want to meet your social health needs in the real world, focus on ways to connect with others in meaningful ways. Join a community wellness environment, attend social events, prioritize face-to-face interactions, and set boundaries with technology. Do all of those things and more and you’ll be well on your way to experiencing better social health.

Vincent Stevens

Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.