Five ways to wellbeing - Connect

One of the five ways to well-being is Connect. The other ways include; learn, be active, notice and give. Connect means building and strengthening relationships with other people. It’s about feeling close to and valued by people around you either in friendships, family, work or school. Social connections are great for physical, mental and emotional health and research indicates that connections lower anxiety and depression and improve the immune system. Relationships also help to regulate emotions, build empathy and higher self-esteem which are important for health and well-being.

Connections can take many forms which includes:

1.       Intimate connections

2.       Connections as part of a group/club/community interest

3.       Work/career connections

Humans thrive on connections and being part of a community and connecting with others is helpful to alleviating feelings of loneliness. Feelings of loneliness occur when one doesn’t feel connected to anyone and is different from being alone. It’s possible to be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Whilst one can be alone and feel connected to others.

Loneliness is a major cause of mental ill-health especially when one feels like there is a lack of friendships or people who genuinely care about one’s wellbeing. It exists in people of all demographics and both adult and young people. It is prevalent amongst older people if they are not mobile and have to spend more time at home as they are cut off from the social connections they require.  Young people can also feel loneliness especially with the digital technology that gives a form of connection but lacks real substance in it. Feelings of loneliness could arise if there are changes in life circumstances e.g., a move to a new house, having a baby, loss of relationships etc.

There are things that one can do to curb the feelings of loneliness and these may include:

1.       Volunteering – volunteering in local charities/schools/community groups creates opportunities to meet and connect with other people.

2.       Explore areas of interests – you can find people with similar hobbies to you on support groups and this creates opportunities to connect over a shared passion.

3.       Find out what is happening in your local community and aim to join in the activities. Most councils run events/programs in the local area and this is a useful place to meet people and make good connections. Some community centers organize bingo nights or free activities which anyone can join.

It can feel daunting to make connections with people however meeting people and being curious about them can yield a lot of benefits to health and wellbeing and gives opportunities to make new friends.