Social Health: The Missing Pillar of Wellbeing

When “health” is mentioned, you often think about either physical or mental health. However, one aspect that most of us ignore is social health, how we connect with others, maintain relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. If you want more insights into this topic and why a good social presence is important, continue reading! 

Loneliness and Physical Health

Statistics show that around 22% of all adults in England feel lonely at least some of the time, and chronic loneliness affects 6% of adults, more than 2.5 million people. But do you know this loneliness can cause some serious physical health issues? Yes, it's true. Here's an overview of some: 

• Increased Risk of Chronic Illness: When you are alone, your body releases stress hormones that can trigger inflammation. You are prone to developing chronic illnesses, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 Diabetes. 
• Decline in Physical Functionality: Having a social circle motivates you to keep going, irrespective of your mood. However, without people around, you don't have the support systems that keep energy levels high. You feel lethargic, reducing the desire to engage in physical activity. 
• Weak Immune Functioning: Social connections act as a buffer against stress, depression, and loneliness. But when you don't have people around to engage with, your body goes into a “pro-inflammatory” response, with a storm of cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. This results in delayed recovery and complications from even minor injuries and illnesses. 

Why is Social Health Important? 

If you have a good social circle, you'll also have great physical and emotional health. The following are the reasons why you should focus on your social health: 

Improved Cognitive Function 

There are currently estimated to be 982,000 people with dementia in the UK. But if you have a good social circle where you listen and talk to many people daily, your brain stays active. Hence, you are less likely to develop dementia or other memory issues. 

Better Physical Health 

Another reason you should focus on social health is to improve your physical condition. You experience less chronic stress and increased immune function, which helps you fight against health issues. Most of all, you tend to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, which lower blood pressure and improve nutrition. 

Increased Self-Esteem 

Your friends often become your role models, encouraging personal development. They also provide you with the validation you need to build self-confidence, so you excel in all areas of your life and maintain a positive demeanour. 

Some ways to build your social circle include staying in touch with your friends and family, joining different clubs, and volunteering for community events. You can also join adventure groups and go on hikes with other like-minded people. 

Conclusion 

Focusing on your social health is just as important as your physical and mental health. If you need more suggestions on how to stay active, engage with others, and upgrade your wellness routine, visit HealthEssent today. For regular updates, you should sign up for our newsletter!