Protect Your Mental Health
In our world today, we are more virtually connected than we have ever been before through all our devices and apps available to us, but loneliness is still a feeling that many people struggle with. In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness.
Our lives have become so busy that having a slow intentional moment with another person may seem rare. Efficiency and productivity have taken over, not only our work lives, but our family lives as well.
Feeling isolated or disconnected can dramatically affect our mental health, physical and emotional wellbeing. How can we increase feelings of connection and belonging and why should we? Believe it or not, feeling a sense of connection to others can be the strongest protector against depression along with other medical and mental health conditions.
Make it a habit to find small ways to connect to people. A habit that will keep you healthy! You will create a sense of belonging and purpose for yourself and for those around you.
What can we do to feel more connected to others - others in our family, workplace, neighborhood or larger community? We are already doing so much, do we really have to add another thing to do? Well, maybe we can think about how we could be more intentional in our daily interactions with others.
Here are some tips:
Say hi to your barista! Engaging in small conversations where eye contact is made, and smiles are exchanged can boost your mood and provide a small opportunity to brighten your day and someone else’s.
Find small moments of quality time with your family and kids without devices such as setting the dinner table together. Or make it a ritual to ask each other what the best and worst part of everybody’s day was.
Interact with your neighbors. Waving, smiling or engaging in small chit-chat with the people who live closest to you is a great way to create a sense of community.
Consider joining a community group such as fitness, religious, hobby, professional or community service organizations. You’ll find like-minded people who can spend time with.