Social Wellness
Social Wellness is an important part of your whole health. Take time to break out of your fixed routine, engage with others, meet new people. Maintaining an optimal level of social wellness allows one to build healthy relationships with others. Social wellness fosters a connection with others, while contributing to one’s sense of belonging.
Participate in a group activity:
Go hiking, running, bowling, or any other activity you like to do with friends. The point is to be surrounded by people and simply have a good time.
Make a new friend:
To build a network, you must make a new friend. This may be tough for a few people but it really isn’t as hard as it sounds. You can easily interact with people at a gym, a coffee shop, a bookstore, etc.
Volunteer:
Volunteering at a nonprofit agency, the hospital, a retirement center, or any other place where you will get a chance to interact with new people will allow you the opportunity to meet new like-minded people.
Positive social habits help you build support systems and stay healthier.
FACTS ABOUT SOCIAL WELLNESS
• Those with a social network handle stress better.
• Around 20 percent of Americans feel isolated in their free time.
• Laughter, touching, and hugging can improve health.
• Lack of companionship can increase cholesterol levels.
• Love and warmth from people can increase immunoglobulin levels.
BENEFITS OF EXPANDING YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK
The importance of a social network: Though a lot of people are introverts and prefer spending time alone, Social Wellness Month highlights why it is essential to build a social network. The more people you meet, the more likely you are to develop new hobbies and embark on journeys you never even imagined you would be a part of. You will get to hear new jokes, experiment, go to new places, get involved in new activities, etc. Most importantly, social relationships have a lasting impact on physical health!
Relationships are essential: Believe it or not, making new friends can teach you a lot and can also have a positive effect on your mind, body, and soul. Social Wellness Month highlights how relationships can benefit you and help you grow.
Remember, your network can be expanded:
Don’t know how to make new friends? There is always something happening in Cibola County, check out Page B2 for upcoming events in the local community.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.
The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall well-being, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.
Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola:
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1-855-662-7474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.
Call or Text 988 for quick, free, mental health support.
Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.
MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information.