Your Friendships & Community
Did you know?
- Social connectedness can increase longevity chances by 50% and be just as good for long-term survival as giving up a 15-cigarette-a-day smoking habit.
- Research shows social connection strengthens the immune system.
- People who have stronger connections to others enjoy lower rates of anxiety and depression and higher self-esteem.
- People who have stronger connections to others exhibit more empathy and are more cooperative and trusting.
In addition to the connection we get from a committed romantic relationship, we also need social connectedness to friends and community. Social connection is necessary for overall well-being.
After being on the road, separated from friends and community, it can be difficult to plug back in.
You may tell yourself that when you are back home, you should spend all of your time with family. While it is true that you need time with your family, this does not have to be an either/or situation. Time is a limited resource, and you can improve your satisfaction in each of your domains by being smart about how you spend your time. Combine your activities to achieve more with your time away from work.
What if you could find ways to be with family and friends at the same time or ways to be involved with your family and community at the same time? What if you could combine community involvement with other domains like mental and physical health?
You get the picture. Check out the suggestions below for ways to have more connection with friends and community – while devoting time to family and other domains as well!
Ways to connect with friends and community while satisfying other domains:
- Host a cookout. Enjoy your family and friends at the same time by gathering everyone for an informal meal. (Family + Friendship)
- Think about your interests and find a community that shares at least one of them. If you like to run, for example, find a group that meets once a week to run. (Community + Physical Wellbeing)
- Get your family involved in volunteering together. Whether it is delivering meals to those who are homebound or cleaning up a community park, you are spending time with your children, sharing your values with them, and supporting your community. (Parenting + Community)
- Have your family take a day-trip adventure with another family. You could go hiking, fishing, zip lining, etc. (Parenting + Marriage + Friendship + Adventure)
- Carve out a day in which each member of your family gets to do something fun with a friend. Then gather for dinner and share what you enjoyed during your day. (Friendship + Leisure + Family)
For more guidance, check out additional resources from Domain Wellness Partners by clicking the button below.