4 Reasons to Be Social
A large and growing body of research illustrates the powerful influence that bonds with family and friends have on both emotional well-being and physical health, especially as we get older.
The more positive relationships you have in life -
whether with your spouse, family members, friends, coworkers, or community and spiritual groups
- the better your health tends to be.
There are many reasons close social ties can improve health:
- Friends and loved ones may encourage you to adopt healthier habits, such as getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, or maintaining a healthy weight.
- They can help out if you have a health crisis.
- They can offer support and encouragement to get regular checkups and take prescribed medications.
- They can help to buffer stress by allowing you to share your worries and concerns.
...And The Benefits of Making Time for Yourself
While being social is vital to overall health, so is knowing when to say "no." Time constraints, packed schedules and too many commitments can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed out. To stay balanced, relaxed and calm, it's necessary every so often to regroup, decompress and focus on yourself. Remember to not feel guilty if you say no to a request - no one person can do it all, so learn your limits and be satisfied with them. Also, it's okay to be a little selfish once in a while by scheduling "me time" - it will help keep you grounded and in touch with your thoughts and feelings.
Article courtesy of Dr. Andrew Weil's website, found here.
