By Tanya Delzotto
Now more than ever, a lot of us can appreciate the importance of having social connections with others for our health and well-being. After being locked up for a period over the last couple of years, it’s highlighted just how much this can impact our mental well-being when it’s taken away from us, which in turn also affects us physically.
One of the wonderful things we notice at Elysia Wellness Retreat, is the number of connections that are formed throughout the guests’ stay. Whether that be via a friendly conversation in the dining room, having a chat on the morning walk or simply enjoying the views while relaxing in the lounge area. Our beautiful space at Elysia provides a safe place to form real connections and sometimes friends for life, which is wonderful.
Connecting with friends, family, and our community, brings us a sense of security, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of belonging and brings us so much joy. It makes us feel stronger, more valued, heard, seen, and nourished after these special encounters.
Some of the other benefits of connection are:
- Helps to improve your quality of life
- Pushes your happy meter up considerably
- Boosts your mental health – helps to lower anxiety levels and depression
- We’re social beings, it makes us feel good to connect and have that sense of belonging within a community
- It’s rewarding to support others in times of need and feel you have the same support from others when you need it
- It gives you a higher sense of self-esteem and empathy towards others
- Helps to strengthen your immune system
- Makes for a more interesting life, sharing different perspectives and experiences
Where can you make connections with others and continue to build on your current connections
- Join a club you are interested in e.g. book club, scrabble
- Join a volunteer program (we even have one here at Elysia if you’re interested)
- Take up a new sport or activity e.g. bushwalking, sailing, soccer
- Reach out to an old friend you haven’t seen for some time
- Eat your lunch outside in a communal space
- Do something unexpected and kind to someone
- Say hello to your neighbours
- Smile and wish someone new a good morning
- Schedule quality time with family and friends
- Send a card or letter to someone out of the blue
How to make connections with others
- Be in the moment and present
- Listen wholeheartedly
- Be your true authentic self
- Make eye contact when you talk
- Offer a genuine and warm smile
- Offer someone a compliment
- Extend an invite to someone new
I hope this has been a nice little reminder of how important your social connections are, not only for your mental well-being but your physical well-being as well. It’s a much nicer journey each day if you have others, you can share it with along the way.
“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives” Brene Brown
