JULY is SOCIAL AWARENESS MONTH
How to be your healthiest self!
Our overall wellness requires us to attend to the four domains of health: emotional, physical, social, and spiritual. July is social wellness month. What does that mean? THE QUALITY OF OUR RELATIONSHIPS!
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “From the time we are born, our relationships help us navigate the world. We learn to interact with others, express ourselves, conduct everyday health habits, and be a part of different communities with those around us. Positive social habits help us build support systems and stay healthier mentally and physically.”
NIH recommends 6 strategies for improving social health:
Make connections - Did you know that social connections/relationships can influence our biology and overall health and wellbeing? Look for ways to get involved with others…join a hobby group, volunteer, stay connected to family/friends, help others, take a class, get involved in your local community.
Take care of yourself while caring for others -We may all become caregivers at some point in our life whether it is caring for our children, an elderly parent, or a disabled relative. The stress and strain of caregiving can take a toll on our health. Ways to take care of yourself may include…asking for help, taking breaks each day, keep up your own hobbies/interests, join a support group, and continue to eat healthy & exercise.
Get active together - Physical activity has many benefits, but sometimes it is hard to motivate alone. Utilize friends and family as motivators and accountability buddies to get you going and to maintain your physical health by... joining a team, organize a family activity in the park, commit to a walking/other schedule with a neighbor or friend, take a yoga/other class with a friend, go dancing, or take noon time walks with co-workers.
Help shape your family’s health habits - Like it or not, our everyday behavior plays a big part in shaping our children’s behavior! With your help, kids can learn to develop healthy eating, physical activity, and technology moderation habits.
Bond with your kids -Children with strong connections to their caregivers are more likely to have the tools they need to cope with life challenges. As a parent, you can praise good behavior; develop your child’s skills by giving them meaningful jobs at home; use kind words/gestures when teaching, instructing, or making requests; spend quality time every day by eating together, going for walk after dinner, or reading a book together; set limits; and participate in activities that your child enjoys!
Build healthy, supportive relationships - Not all relationships are healthy relationships. It is important to recognize how other people influence us and make us feel. Healthy relationships include mutual care, understanding, compromise, trust, and honesty. Once you decide what you are and aren’t willing to do, it is okay to say no/set boundaries with others.