Look at the Fingers!!
In 1938, a group of researchers from Harvard University began a study on 724 teenagers. The study spanned several decades and aimed to uncover the key factors contributing to life’s happiness. The participants were monitored every two years.
Surprisingly, contrary to popular belief, the study found that career success, wealth, exercise, and a healthy diet are not the most crucial factors for happiness. Instead, the most consistent finding over the 85-year study period was that positive relationships are vital in keeping us happy, healthy, and living longer.
What is social fitness? Social fitness refers to how you assess, build, and optimize your relationships and interactions with others.
Ready to boost your social well-being? Take our quick assessment.
What are the Key Components:
- Developing, maintaining, and prioritizing healthy relationships
- Effective communication skills and conflict management.
- Cultivating a solid support system.
- Developing hobbies and volunteer activities to improve your social connections.
- Empathy and understanding: Seeing things from others’ perspectives and showing compassion.
- Social awareness: Being mindful of social cues and the impact of your behavior on others.
Loneliness Epidemic: The opposite of social fitness is loneliness, which creates havoc at the personal, health care system, and social levels. Several different studies have linked it to multiple chronic conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and metabolic disorders, such as obesity and metabolic disease. It is a significant predictor of psychological problems, such as depression, psychological stress, and anxiety. Loneliness is linked to overall morbidity and mortality in adult populations. Please visit geriatric patients with me to see how many of them are lonely and socially disconnected. If you are socially connected, you are less likely to feel lonely.
Health advantages of Social fitness: Social connections can help prevent serious illnesses and outcomes, such as Heart disease, Stroke, Dementia, and Depression. They also help with anxiety and develop resilience. As a Harvard study stated, people live longer.
Social connection with others can help:
- Improve your ability to recover from stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Improve your immunity.
- Promote healthy eating, physical activity, and weight.
- Improve sleep, well-being, and quality of life.
- Reduce your risk of violent and suicidal behaviors.
- Prevent death from chronic diseases.
How do you build Social Fitness? Increasing social fitness involves developing and maintaining strong social connections and effective communication skills. Here are some ways to enhance your social fitness:
- Build and Maintain Relationships: Cultivate both new and existing relationships. Invest time and effort in nurturing friendships and connections with family members. Reach out to friends during their good and bad times. Find a purpose and belonging in the close relationship.
- Effective Communication: Improve your communication skills by actively listening, expressing yourself clearly, and being open to feedback.
- Empathy & listening: Practice empathy by trying to understand and relate to the feelings and perspectives of others. People feel the need to listen, and they connect better. Show your gratitude for people who help or just being with you.
- Networking: Engage in social activities, events, and communities that align with your interests, which can lead to meeting like-minded individuals. Use digital media to connect, but do not get engrossed in it.
- Conflict Resolution: You are bound to have a conflict with a loved one. Learn how to handle conflicts constructively and respectfully.
- Setting Boundaries: Establish clear personal boundaries to maintain a healthy balance in your social interactions. You may go out with your friends but choose not to drink. Do not compare, as it will cause jealousy.
- Self-Care: Take care of your mental and emotional well-being, which can positively affect your social interactions.
- Seek Support: When you need it, don’t be afraid to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Do not overuse it and cry wolf!
- Be Proactive: Initiate social activities and reach out to others rather than waiting for them to make the move.
So don’t be a statistic. Reach out to you near one first and then expand your network. It’s ok to talk to strangers and feel vulnerable in social situations. You need to build your social capital.
In essence, social fitness is not a luxury but a necessity for a fulfilling and healthy life. Prioritizing meaningful connections, fostering empathy, and honing our communication skills can significantly impact our well-being. By actively investing in our social fitness, we not only combat loneliness but also unlock a wealth of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Remember, nurturing strong relationships is an ongoing journey that yields immeasurable rewards. So, take the first step today and embark on a path toward greater social well-being!
Tarak Vasavada, MD
Medical director,
Live Well Foundation of Madison County Medical Society