Social Wellness
We live in a time in which social wellness (developing a sense of connection, belonging and support) has become more difficult.
Communication is just one email away, a friend is one text away, and a loved one is one video chat away. And, although communication may be easier and faster, true connection is harder to find. Therefore, despite technological advancements, it is also being linked to a loneliness epidemic.
Human beings are social creatures. We need the companionship of others to thrive in life, and the strength of our connections has a huge impact on our mental health and happiness. We need personal connections to feel accepted. We also need a good support system of people that you like, respect, and trust. This rarely happens through social media.
Social Intelligence (SQ) is being shown as an important part of our workplace. SQ represents your interactions with others on your team, in your department, etc. It tests your ability to harmoniously interact with your coworkers and fit into the culture and environment.
Being socially connected to others can ease stress, anxiety, and depression, boost self-worth, provide comfort and joy, prevent loneliness, and even add years to your life. On the flip side, lacking strong social connections can pose a serious risk to your mental and emotional health.
SQ takes effort and hard work. Tips to improve SQ include:
Spend the next week trying to get others to talk about themselves.
Start with the basics. Go back and read the famous book “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.
Join networking organizations, speaking groups, and hire a coach.
Develop more effective, active listening skills.
Seek to discover your blind spots that are keeping you from being your best. This will require getting others to share constructive feedback.
Actively work to deepen relationships you care about.
Most of us recognize very quickly the pecking order in social or workplace groups. We know whether others get it, want it, or have the capacity to do a job. We know who the leaders, managers, and worker-bees are.
Most have no idea what we might have truly achieved if we had made simple changes in our life. But I have seen people from all walks of life searching for meaning and the ability to achieve success. All seem to struggle to some degree with three general issues: I am enough, I am different/defective, and I can’t ever attain/achieve that…. Each of these issues seek to belong socially. Contact me today, to see where I might help.
