As we creep into the darker and colder months of winter, it’s even more essential to remember the importance of prioritizing our social wellbeing. Social health may be more important than we’ve previously realized as it impacts every sphere of our lives including physical health, especially as we age. Joining clubs, sharing meals, and working out in groups are all great ways to invite social well-being into our lives. Investing time and energy into our social health has been found to help:
Prevent and mitigate symptoms of depression
Improve social skills
Improve cognitive function
Support an overall positive attitude
Enhance self-esteem
Develop connections to peer groups, which help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Support an overall happier and healthier lifestyle for a better quality of life
Lessen chronic pain
Delay and prevent certain diseases as well as help you recover faster from illness or injury
Social health has been shown to help boost immune system function
Encourage restful sleep. Research shows that people who have more fulfilling relationships in their lives tend to sleep better than those who don’t.
How to Support Your Social Well-Being
Staying socially active and connecting with others may be daunting if you don’t know where to begin. Luckily, there are many places to start your social well-being journey:
Join a Fitness Center
Even if a regular gym seems a little too intimidating, consider trying out a fitness center specifically for seniors or one of the many fun weekly fitness classes happening in the red barn. This is a great place to meet other members of your community who are dedicated to staying socially and physically healthy.
Become a Volunteer
Volunteering with and for your community members provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Many animal shelters, schools, community centers, and farms are always looking for reliable volunteers of all ages. Get your dirt therapy!
Join us for the Fall Festival!
This coming Saturday, October 30th from 11 am-2 pm we’ll be hosting our Fall Festival at the Farm. There will be music, food, and community! For more information, check out our website here!
