FIND HEALTH BENEFITS WITH THESE TIPS

By Sheila Banks
Communication Specialist

For many of us, the winter months are a time to slow down, rest, and isolate a bit. Maybe we long to avoid the colder temperatures, messy road conditions, or seasonal illnesses that make the rounds in the winter months.

There are also seasons in our lives that call for isolation: recovering from illness or injury, needing space to grieve the loss of a loved one, or changes in life that require time to process, for instance.

While taking a step back and isolating for a while is sometimes necessary, we also need social connection. God created us to connect with Him and with our fellow mankind. From the beginning of creation, God acknowledged the human need for connection.

Genesis 2:18 says, “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” In the New Testament, when Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees about the greatest commandment, He emphasized our connection with God and our connection with others.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).

Throughout Scripture, we are told to love one another, encourage one another, and build one another up. This requires us to interact with others. Research supports what the Bible tells us. Experts agree that we are social creatures by nature, and that social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk for:

► Heart disease and stroke
► Type 2 diabetes
► Depression and anxiety
► Suicidality and self-harm
► Dementia
► Earlier death

On the flip side, healthy social connections decrease the risk of these illnesses, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and can lead to longer life.

People with supportive relationships tend to be more physically active, make healthier eating choices, have better quality of sleep, and have support for their physical needs, such as rides to doctor appointments, the grocery store, and the like. This support improves their ability to cope with the highs and lows of life, making a positive impact on their mental health, as well.

With longer days and milder temperatures, spring is a great time to get outside and get social. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following tips for making connections:

ESTABLISH AND NURTURE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONNECTIONS WITH PEOPLE

► Make time in your routine to contact others who care about you.
► Reach out to different people to create a broad network of support.
► Join a group with shared interests to create a sense of belonging.

GIVE AND TAKE

► Reach out for help, even when it’s hard to ask for it.
► Provide support to others in need of help.
► Find ways to be responsive and grateful to others. Gratitude works!

STRENGTHEN THE QUALITY OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

► Focus on building high-quality, strong, meaningful social connections.
► Find ways to be responsive, supportive, and grateful to others.
► Take steps to address conflict or negative feelings when they arise.

ADDRESS BARRIERS

► Take care of your health so you can readily connect socially and have fun.
► Don’t let screen time distract you from connecting with people in person.
► Find ways to share the things you’re already doing, such as exercising or cooking, with others.

SEEK HELP IF FEELING DISCONNECTED, LONELY, OR STRESSED

Health issues, divorce, or the death of a loved one can be very challenging. Talk with a professional who can identify ways to help you.

If you’re in a season of life that requires physical isolation, don’t let that deter you from staying connected with others. Make a phone call, send a text, video chat, or send a letter.

Information collected from the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/improving/index.html