Social wellness is what happens when people gather intentionally to support each other over shared experiences.
This can be achieved online or in-person and has long-term health benefits. Think about the last time you spoke with a friend about something you had in common and, through that conversation, you felt heard and understood: that sense of belonging and connection is social wellness.
Social wellness is critical to mental health because it helps us feel less isolated. Loneliness is a leading symptom contributing to depression, anxiety and even suicide. Meaningful interactions with other humans have been shown to increase happiness, lower stress and even prolong your lifespan. In short, social wellness is crucial to a happy life.
It is important not to confuse social wellness with social media. While social media can help us stay connected to friends and family, it can also lead to doomscrolling, fomo and feelings of inadequacy and competitiveness.
How can you tell the difference between online interactions that increase social wellness versus detract? It’s all about how you feel after the interaction.
How social wellness can make you feel:
– Empowered
– Supported
– Accepted as your true self
– Respected
– Enough as you are
How toxic social media can make you feel:
– Wasted time
– Anxious
– Inadequate or competitive
– Overwhelmed
– Misunderstood
At ShareWell, we are dedicated to creating a world where everyone has access to the support they need when they need it through social wellness.
Join a Well community today to experience the power of social wellness.