When it comes to overall health, most people tend to focus on physical health. But there’s more to it than that—social health, which is an integral component of holistic well-being.
Social wellness is the state of being socially active and healthy. It includes your relationships with other people and your overall sense of well-being. Basically, it is the human interaction in your life — the people you see and talk to, the family and friends you interact with, and even the pets you love. It is also about how well you manage your professional and personal relationships.
But how can you pay attention to it and maintain a healthy social life? And what signs do you look out for to know your social aspect is suffering? This post explores 4 key signs that indicate your social health is suffering and needs immediate attention.
1. You Don’t See the Need for Social Activities
Interpersonal activities are the building blocks of your social health. They are akin to good nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management in your physical wellness. Therefore, if you’re not feeling the need to get out and see others, it could be a sign that your social health is suffering.
The good news is that social activities don’t have to be exhausting or expensive. There are multiple fun and inexpensive activities you can engage in. In fact, it can be as easy as a simple phone call with a friend or an outing with coworkers. This will make you feel better about yourself and boost your mood.
2. Constant Withdrawal and Reduced Communication
According to the National Institute of Health, positive social health is characterized by how you express yourself, interact with, and live in the larger community. And as is commonly said, a man is a social being, meaning if you constantly feel the need for withdrawal, your social health is suffering.
However, this does not mean you should not have “me-time moments.” In fact, setting aside time for yourself is an excellent boost for your social health. However, if it exceeds a certain level, it signals you need to check your social health. So, if you feel the need to avoid others regularly and feel like they are draining your energy, this could be a sign that something isn’t right with your social life.
3. You Don’t Share Openly or Honestly with Your Trusted Friends
Social wellness is important, and sharing your feelings can be a powerful tool for its improvement. When you’re having a hard time, it can help to talk about it with someone who cares about you and will listen closely. Even if your best friend isn’t available, many other people, like professional counselors, can listen and help you think through your challenges.
But closing yourself in means fewer interactions, which are a fundamental cog in healthy relationships. Also, holding information when speaking out affects your relationships because you are not expressing yourself entirely. In the end, the relationship becomes cagey since it is not based on trust and openness, thus negatively impacting your social interactions.
4. You Regularly Feel Hopeless and Helpless
Feeling helpless and hopeless can emanate from several factors, such as losing someone important or going through a tough time. In the long run, and if left unchecked, these feelings can lead to depression, or a don’t care attitude. This then leads to poor interactions with others, ultimately affecting your relationships, work, and family.
When these basics of interactions are affected, your life will begin to feel like a boring routine and that no one wants or values you. So, it is essential to understand the feelings and find coping mechanisms. Additionally, no matter how you feel, it is crucial to be open and honest about how things affect you. This will make it easier for others to help lift some of the burdens off your shoulders.
Keep an Eye on Your Social Health
Your overall life quality is a sum of different factors, and your social health is one of them. This is why you need to prioritize this aspect of holistic wellness as much as you watch out for your physical health. Please note these four signs are not the only aspects to look out for when determining the quality of your social life. However, they are part of the signals your social health needs a check.
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