5 Ways Social Wellness Influences Health

Written by Jennifer Wannen

http://www.lifetime-weightloss.com/blog/2013/12/30/5-ways-social-wellness-influences-health.html

The holiday season is prime time for gatherings, but our will to socialize is more than mere
tradition. Positive social relationships and activities, studies have shown time and again, offer
a potent health benefit. Experts categorize this area of health as social wellness, a lifestyle
dimension that incorporates our full spectrum of relationships and social activities: what
connections do we have, what do we do to cultivate them, and what level of support do we
receive from them? Whether its a family holiday dinner, a party with neighbors or quality time
with a best friend, were filling our physiological and emotional wells. Good health, research
has found, is about much more than the cornerstones of nutritious diet and regular exercise
(as essential as those are). Its about the entire picture of our well-being and the overall
enrichment of our lives. In our health journeys, its worth asking how much we invest in our
social wellness. How do we prioritize positive social experiences in our daily lives, and what
opportunities do we forgo? As humans, were naturally wired for social connection. When we
heed the innate psychological instinct, our bodies benefit, too - in often surprising ways....

Stronger Immune Function

Study subjects who reported being lonely were more likely to show elevated levels of proteins
associated with inflammation as well as other signs of poor immune function. In another
study, lonely participants had higher circulating cortisol and lower antibody response.
Researchers have demonstrated that the body processes social pain in the same way it
does physical pain, and social rejection can set off inflammatory activity. We physically suffer
from social stress.

Better Cardiovascular Health

Research suggests the impact of social disconnection can raise our risk for cardiovascular
disease. In one study, low levels of close attachment and social integration were deemed
significant predictors of new cardiovascular events. Other research has linked loneliness
with elevated blood pressure.

Lower Risk for Depression

In a ten year study, those who had the highest quality relationships had less than half the
depression risk of those who lived with strained or unsupportive family and/or spousal
relationships.

Healthier Aging
As we age, social connectedness takes on additional importance. Research has linked social
engagement and belonging respectively to better motor skill retention and a lower risk of
memory loss. In the famous longitudinal Grant Study, close social relationships were
important variables influencing late-life adjustment.

Longer Life
Finally, a substantial research review examining the role of social relationships and mortality
found that lack of social connectedness was as strong a predictor of mortality than many
other traditional risk factors, including smoking!
Experts agree the quality of our most intimate connections (e.g. partners, family, close
friends) hold the most sway over our social well-being. While we might enjoy a full social
calendar or build large social media networks, its the depth and closeness of our inner circles
that tend to register most health-wise. Still, every effort we make to feel connected with the
people we encounter each day can fill our social well and allow us to feel more integrated,
one of the factors cited in research.
With the passing of holiday party season, it can be tempting to hole up during these midwinter
weeks. Consider these findings one more reason to invest in quality time with those you love.
As important as all our weight loss efforts are, its helpful to remember that what makes us
happy in the big picture is often what makes us healthy. A well-balanced life can be as
important as a well-balanced diet. When we make time for what cultivates our greater life
satisfaction, were creating deeper well-being. The good life, lived to its fullest, is often the
healthiest one, too.