Connections
"Don't overlook the basics. Don't ignore the foundation. How long can a tree remain standing without the roots?"
The second foundational habit is that of meaningful connections. Over the next few blogs, I am challenging you to focus on the basics of connection. When our relationships have structure, function, and quality they promote good health and can prevent chronic conditions like stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and a high BMI. There are 5 foundational behaviors, and habits for great health and well-being (January 2024 covered movement if you missed the first one).
Everyone has experienced a wonky connection, when your relationships are off, you can feel lonely, isolated and like something is missing. Even the introvert needs social connections.
In the book, The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman, you can learn how to communicate better with those around you. There are versions for teens, military, children, singles and more! Many workplaces have different personality quizzes you may have taken, which help you know your underlying needs. When those around us are not speaking a language we understand, you can feel lonely in a crowd.
Do you know how your co-workers feel appreciated? Loved and cared for? Does your family? Friends? Do you know your languages? These are fun to take and can really be a key to better connections.
Here are some fun links to assess your connection languages.
Click this link to take the love languages quiz!
What’s your apology language?
How well do you manage your anger?
Do you feel appreciated at work? Discover your appreciation language.
And of course, there’s an app called Love Nudge which claims to be a personal assistant with relationships and connection based on the 5 Love Languages!
There are also podcasts you can listen to by Dr. Gary Chapman and a 1-minute love language recalibration of the day.
I hope these tips and links help you with your Social Well-Being and this foundational behavior for your health of connection. When your connections are good, and you effectively cope with stress, you don’t eat your feelings.
Social connections help our overall health. I will be including information about the link between them and our physical health. “It might be that just being around people who encourage us to keep healthful habits or achieve challenging lifestyle goals could help us to remain mindful of our eating, exercise, and other lifestyle-related habits.” Medical News Today.
Dr. Archelle Georgiou, who studied SuperAgers on the isolated island of Ikaria in Greece, saw that they were constantly surrounded by family, neighbors, and other members of their community, and that they all actively supported each other.
Lastly, if you’d like to read more about hugs and the science of hugs, visit my blog post Hugs. New, easy, and fun reading blogs drop every Monday! Check out the library of blogs on all things well-being!