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The Importance of Social Support for Mood, Energy and Health
Having a strong social support network is an essential part of a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle. Social support comes from friends, family and community, and can have a positive effect on our mental, emotional and physical health. It can also have an impact on our mood and energy levels.
Benefits of Social Support
Social support can provide a buffer against life’s challenges, helping us to manage or cope with difficult or stressful situations with greater ease. It can also:
- Increase self-esteem – Being supported by others can give us the confidence to take risks or pursue our goals.
- Improve cognitive functioning – Social interaction helps to increase brain power and can help us to remain sharp even as we age.
- Boost mood and energy levels – Having a close circle of friends or family can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and can help us to feel more energized and motivated.
- Reduce stress – Knowing we can rely upon our social support network can help us to feel less anxious and overwhelmed.
- Enhance physical health – Those with strong social support tend to have better physical health and may recover more quickly from illnesses and injuries.
Ways to Build Social Support
If you’re looking to build your social support network, the following tips can help you get started:
- Reach out – Many people struggle to find social support simply because they don’t take the initiative to reach out and make connections. Set yourself up with a goal to reach out to a few people a week.
- Join a group – Local groups or organizations could provide you with a great opportunity to expand your social circle.
- Attend events – Whether it’s a cocktail party, art gallery opening or music concert, events or gatherings can be a great way to make new friends.
- Seek out support – People are more likely to support you if you are honest and upfront about your needs. Make sure to let those closest to you know how they can help.
- Be open to help – Even if it feels strange or embarrassing, accepting help from others is an important part of building relationships. Accepting help from others can also give you the chance to pay it forward.
Maintaining Social Support
Once you have established your support network, it is important to maintain it by taking steps to keep in touch, foster positive communication and invest in time spent with those who mean the most to you. Here are a few tips for doing just that:
- Make time – Making time for those closest to us is one of the most important actions we can take to maintain our connections. Try setting aside a couple of hours a week to catch up or spend time together.
- Give small gifts – A small gift or gesture shows others that you care and appreciate the friendship, and can make a significant difference to the bond you have.
- Be trusting – It is essential that trust be established within a relationship, as it lays the foundation for positive communication and connection.
- Ask for feedback – It is important to be open to feedback regarding our behaviour and how these behaviours can affect the dynamic of a relationship.
- Listen – Active listening is a great way to ensure that the other person feels heard and respected, and can help to build strong and meaningful relationships.
Conclusion
Social support is essential to our mental and physical wellbeing, and is vital to helping us navigate life’s ups and downs. From improving our self-esteem and cognitive functioning, to boosting our moods and energy levels, the benefits of having a strong social support network are undeniable. So, if you are looking for ways to improve your overall health SEO The Importance Social Support, Mood, Energy and Health, don’t forget to invest in strengthening your circle of friends and family.
