3

Close relationships

positively impact your health

According to Mayo Clinic, having close friends and family on whom you can count has

far-reaching benefits for your health. A strong social support network can be critical to helping you through the stress of tough times, whether you’ve had a bad day at work or a year filled with loss or chronic illness. The positive effects of a support network include:

􀂭 Sense of belonging. Spending time with

people helps ward off loneliness. Whether it’s

other new moms, dog lovers, fishing buddies,

or siblings, just knowing you’re not alone can go a long way toward coping with stress.

􀂭 Increased sense of self-worth. Having people who call you a friend reinforces the idea that you’re a good person to be around.

􀂭 Feeling of security. By reaching out and sharing yourself with others, you have the added security of knowing that if you start to show signs of depression or exhibit unhealthy lifestyle habits, your friends can help alert you to the problem.

 

 

Social Well-Being

We are created to be social persons by God with

instructions to help and love each other. We are

nourished by the love and intimacy of our family and friends. Isolation is a significant risk for depression and premature death. Whether we are introverted or extroverted, regular social contact is essential for health. Being healthy

means having healthy relationships with family,

friends, co-workers, and others. Studies have shown that volunteering in service to others actually lengthens life.

For more information visit:

https://www.elcabop.org/LiveWell/

Wholeness_wheel.aspx

While walking this week, reflect on the following questions:

1. When did you last feel invited or welcomed? When did you last demonstrate hospitality for another?

2. When do you feel like you are part of a

community?

3. When do you nurture your relationships?

4. When do you play?