Health Benefits of Social Interaction

Spending quality time with friends or loved ones can just feel good for the soul. Ever left a gathering with friends and felt refreshed and jovial? Time spent with those that you trust and that care about you is good for everyone. Too much time time on your own can make you feel lonely and out of touch so it is important to make an effort to spend time with others.  

Benefits of Socialization:

• Better mental health – it can lighten your mood and make you feel happier
• Lower your risk of dementia – social interaction is good for your brain health
• Promotes a sense of safety, belonging and security
• Allows you to confide in others and let them confide in you

In-Person Connections

Social networks and online interactions may give people a false sense of connectedness. We still need physic in-person connections for our own mental health. Schedule time with friends (in-person) on a regular basis to avoid loneliness. It doesn’t have to be a full night out. It could be a 15 minute walk with a neighbor or meeting up for a quick coffee.

Your Circle

Your default peer group is at work and relationships at work are important, but relationships outside work are important too. Relationships with neighbors, the parents of your kids’ friends, or others that share common interests with you are good for your well-being. Take a second to evaluate the people you spend time with and look for ways to branch out if that circle doesn’t go beyond colleagues.

Feeling lonely or looking for ways to grow your circle? Contact your EAP provider.