Wellness@Work: Social Wellness

Social wellness is the ability to relate and connect with other people.

Healthy relationships are a vital component of health.

According to the University of Minnesota, the health risks from being alone or isolated include high blood pressure and obesity.

Research shows that:

• People who have a strong social network tend to live longer.
• The heart and blood pressure of people with healthy relationships respond better to stress.
• Strong social networks are associated with a healthier endocrine system and healthier cardiovascular functioning.
• Healthy social networks enhance the immune system’s ability to fight off infectious diseases.

• What was the highlight of your day/ week?
• What are you excited to be working on currently or coming up?
• What are you looking forward to about this weekend?
• What was something that surprised you about today?

• Go out for coffee or lunch with a friend or family member
• Go for a walk with a friend/ family member or walk around campus with a colleague
• Volunteer
• Don’t use self-checkout at the grocery store – use a line with a cashier
• Join a group or class – painting, work out, book club