What is Social Health?

Social health can be defined as our ability to interact and form meaningful relationships with others. It also relates to how comfortably we can adapt in social situations. Social relationships have an impact on our mental health, physical health and mortality risk. 

Over the years, sociologists have created a link between social relationships and health outcomes. Studies are showing that social relationships both quality and quantity are having short and long-term effects on our health. 

A young woman enjoying time with friends at a café, reflecting good social health

Signs of Being Socially Healthy Include: 

Having assertive skills rather than passive or aggressive ones

Balancing your social and personal time

Being engaged with other people in the community

Adapting in social situations 

To be yourself in all situations

Treating others with respect

Being able to develop and maintain friendships and networks

Creating boundaries in friendships to encourage communication and conflict management

Having a supportive network of family and friends

Having fun in life  

Why Is Social Health Important?

Our social health and social wellness are a vital part of our overall health and wellbeing. According to the Australian Government “social relationships are protective of mental health”. 

We interact with people every day. The quality and quantity of our relationships affect our mental and physical wellbeing. Maintaining a good level of social wellness lets you build interpersonal relationships with others. These relationships include friendships, intimate relationships, platonic, family, and professional (work) relationships. 

Studies show that people with poor social interactions are more likely to die younger than those with high involvement rates. 

Researchers have also linked the following health issues to poor social health:

Suffering a heart attack 

Chronic disease 

Mobility issues 

High blood pressure

Raised stress hormones leading to inflammation

Cancer

Poor mental health 

Anxiety & depression 

Poor immune system

Young woman looking out her window, suffering from poor social health

How Do We Measure Social Health & Wellness?

Reflecting on ourselves and our relationships is a great way to asses our social health. We can start by looking at the signs of good social health and assessing whether these apply to your life.

Signs of good social health include: 

Balancing your social and personal time

Being your true self at all times 

Engaging with people in your community 

Treating others with respect 

Maintaining and building strong relationships with friends 

Creating healthy boundaries that help with communication, trust and conflict management 

Turning to friends and family for support 

Communicating effectively 

Move Over GDP

For the first time, Western countries realise that life satisfaction of their citizens is just as important to measure as the Gross National Product (GDP). A country’s economic prosperity doesn’t mean much if its citizens are miserable. Multi-dimensional measures help assess a nation’s wellbeing. 

Some governments are asking residents about their subjective wellbeing in national surveys. It was difficult to gain a good picture with just one question, so some countries have expanded the survey to ask:

Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays?

Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday?

Overall, did you feel lonely yesterday?

Overall, to what extent do you feel the things you do in your life are worthwhile?

The answers give policymakers a good idea of how their citizens are tracking and what policies are needed to improve the population’s social health and wellbeing. 

The Problem with Loneliness

Being lonely can kill. Researchers have made the comparison between being lonely and smoking 15 cigarettes per day - both are as deadly as each other. A person who is lonely is 50% more likely to die prematurely than a person who has healthy social relationships. Loneliness can reduce a person’s immune system and cause inflammation in the body which can lead to heart disease and other chronic conditions. Without social or emotional support, stress can place a bigger toll on a person’s health. 

In the UK, 15-20% of the adult population described themselves as ‘often or always lonely.’ The UK government has recognized the size of the problem and introduced a Minister for Loneliness. The best way to beat loneliness is to meet new people and make friends throughout our lives.

The Negative Side of Social Relationships 

Unfortunately, not all relationships are healthy. Relationships are the core of emotional support for most, but social relationships can sometimes be extremely stressful. 

 

Why is Physical Activity So Important for Health and Well-Being?

We know that staying active is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy. But did you know it can also improve your overall well-being and quality of life?

Here are just a few ways physical activity can help you feel better, look better and live better:

It’s a natural mood lifter.

Regular physical activity can relieve stress, anxiety, depression and anger. You know that feel-good sensation you get after doing something physical? Think of it as a happy pill with no side effects! Most people notice they feel better over time as physical activity becomes a regular part of their lives. 

It keeps you physically fit and able.

Without regular activity, your body slowly loses its strength, stamina and ability to function properly. It’s like the old saying: You don’t stop moving from growing old; you grow old from stopping moving. Exercise increases muscle strength, which in turn increases your ability to do other physical activities. 

It helps keep the doctor away.

Stand up when you eat your apple a day! Too much sitting and other sedentary activities can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies show that adults who watch more than two hours of television a day can have a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.  

Being more active may help you: 

Lower your blood pressure

Boost your levels of good cholesterol

Improve blood flow (circulation)

Keep your weight under control

Prevent bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis

This can add up to fewer medical expenses, interventions and medications later in life!

It can help you live longer.

It’s true – 70 is the new 60, but only if you’re healthy. Physical activity may help you live longer, and those extra years are generally healthier years! Staying active helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging. So active adults maintain their quality of life and independence longer as they age.

Some other benefits you may get with regular physical activity: 

Helps you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free

Boosts your energy level so you can get more done

Helps you manage stress and tension

Promotes a positive attitude and outlook

Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly

Improves your self-image and self-confidence

Helps you spend more time outdoors

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly. You can knock that out in just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. And every minute of moderate to vigorous activity counts toward your goal.

So, this is easy! Move more, with more intensity, and sit less. You don’t have to make big life changes to see the benefits. Start building more activity into your day, one step at a time.