Maintaining social activities and relationships is important to our health and wellbeing. Engaged people are often healthier, happier, less depressed, and demonstrate enhanced brain vitality. Although it may be more challenging in the winter months to stay socially active, make a point to find creative ways to stay connected with others to boost self-esteem, maintain connections, keep a positive attitude, maintain brain health, along with many more benefits!
By engaging with people and participating in activities you enjoy, social activity can be easy, fun, and fulfilling. Examples of social activities include:
Playing cards- Joining a community center, club, or committee
- Organizing or attending get-togethers with friends, family, or neighbors
- Going to a theater, movie, sporting event, or festival
- Traveling
- Eating out
- Taking classes
- Volunteering
- Visiting with a friend at their home, over the phone, or by email
Challenge yourself to be social even when you don’t want to. Some individuals struggle with social activity because they are depressed. In a case of depression, a person may feel like being alone, but social isolation can actually feed the depression. Even though it can be a challenge, the benefits of seeking social activity, including with a close friend or even a therapist, are worth the effort and can help ease depressive symptoms. This winter go ahead and try something new to get social! Take a class, volunteer, participate in support groups, and reach out to special friends to let them know you care and are there for them.
By: Ashley Svaty
