Personal connection is at the heart of human experience. Building a support system of friends, family, and professionals can impact your physical and mental health in more ways than you might imagine. For example, the right support system can add years to your life. People living in what are known as Blue Zones (places where people live longer and healthier lives) focus on spending time with loving, supportive networks of family, neighbors, and friends. Building a support system might feel daunting at first, but the benefits are immeasurable.
Connection is Key
Our modern world leaves many of us feeling disconnected from others, and often even from ourselves. Add in the isolating effects of the past few years and our increasingly digital lives, and the rise of loneliness in our culture makes a great deal of sense. If you’re experiencing a sense of isolation or loneliness, building a support system is a wonderful way to boost your mental health now and in the future.
The individuals you include in your support system—close friends who you’ve known for years, neighbors who you share interests with, colleagues who you can turn to at work, or a trusted therapist—can help you deal with stress and enrich your life. Building those relationships now helps to ensure you have them in place later on when you or those in your support system need help.
Finding Your People
Making new friends and connections can feel daunting at any age. But remember, most people feel shy in new situations—you are not alone! As you begin to focus on building a support system, testing out some easy avenues is helpful. This might include joining a local club, whether a group of outdoor enthusiasts who meet for a Saturday hike or a book club where you’ll find others who share your interests, or even taking a yoga or aerobics class where you’re likely to strike up a conversation with like-minded individuals.
Seeking professionals, such as a therapist, to add to your support system can also help you to work through feelings of loneliness while boosting your mental health. In fact, building a positive relationship with a therapist will likely have a ripple effect, bringing more stability to other relationships within your support system.
Just remember, every step you take to deepen your relationships and build a strong support system is important—no effort is too small.
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