Being social is good for your health
Learn how you can spend more time with others.
There are many things you can do to for your health. Eating healthy and staying fit are important. But did you know that being social is also good for you, too?
Why being social is good for you
Research shows that people who are more social:
- Live longer
- Are less likely to have certain illnesses
- Feel happier and less depressed
- Can cope with loss better
Get out and about
There are plenty of ways to become more socially active. Here are some ideas:
- Learn something new or join a club
- Visit a community center and sign up for activities
- Play cards or other games with friends
- Go to the theater, a movie or a game
- Visit friends and family
- Try different restaurants
- Travel
- Join a group interested in a hobby you enjoy
- Reach out to old friends
- Visit local museums
- Try a new exercise class
Find the right balance
Be careful not to take on too much at once. Choose activities you enjoy, not ones that stress you. That way, you're more likely to make it a habit.
Sources
- Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB. Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review (plos.org). PLoS medicine, 7(7), e1000316. Accessed April 13, 2022.
- National Institutes of Health. Social wellness toolkit. Accessed April 13, 2022.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.