Health is a state of complete mental, physical, and social well-being. Social health is an important dimension of overall health. Social health is an important component of the constitutional definition of health by “The World Health organization”; therefore, its importance for overall well-being cannot be neglected.
What is social health?
According to how much methylfolate for pregnancy “Social health is the ability of a person to make healthy connections with the community within healthy boundaries without neglecting himself.” Adopting a lifestyle that promotes social health is called social wellness. After birth, we become part of the different communities around us, like home, school, college, workstations etc. We make relationships in the community that help us navigate how to interact with others, express ourselves, deal with social problems and become part of our surroundings. Positive social habits help in building and maintaining healthier mental and physical health.
STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE SOCIAL HEALTH
Social health is one of the pillars of overall health. Although it is neglected and difficult to address, yet improving social health ensures the healthiest life. Here, we will discuss the strategies to improve social health.
1-Build healthy relationships
Social ties we build with our families, friends, co-workers, and other people in the community impact our psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. According to a study, Strong social ties are linked to a healthier and prolonged life. In contrast, social isolation, loneliness, and social inhibition are the prominent risk factors for depression, poor health, and shorter life.
Diversity in behaviour is human nature. So to make healthy social relationships, respect the opinion of others and don’t turn the conflict into a personal attack as it is normal for the people to disagree with each other. You can disagree without hurting other people. Human is often called social animal, so it’s difficult to survive without making a healthier social connection with others.
2- Care for yourself while caring for others
When you make connections with the community, you may encounter social problems. So these connections demand you tackle these social situations. This can only be done when you are socially healthy. If you are drained, exhausted, and in a low mood, you cannot be able to enjoy good health. Therefore, focus on self-care as well. Respect other needs, and don’t neglect yours.
For instance, we all have an elderly person in the family who needs long-term care. The caregiver has a tough responsibility, so the caregiver’s health is also equally important. If the caregiver has good health, he can only perform his duty; otherwise, he will be exhausted mentally and physically.
3- Learn to be comfortable alone and stay away from toxic people
It seems awkward, but it is equally important for social health, directly or indirectly. Some people feel uncomfortable being alone, and they make connections with other people who may be inappropriate for that person. They may harm the mental health of the individual. So, it is wise to be alone and enjoy your own company rather than be surrounded by toxic people.
4- Develop a healthy bond with the family
Family is also a community at your home. Social health starts in the family, where you spend most of your time. To make social ties stronger, encourage healthy food to be eaten at home. Instead of watching T.V. and using a mobile phone, go outside to spend time with family. For children, balance the time of play and study at home. During holidays, plan a short trip to create a stronger bond between family members.
