Taking Care Of Your Social Health During The Winter

This post is written in partnership with Canvas Credit Union. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As humans, we are deeply social creatures. Feeling (and being) connected to one another is essential to our health. But in an otherwise isolating time, tending to our social well-being may seem like a daunting, nuanced task. Today, I’m breaking down ways to take care of your social health during the winter, as well as three practical mantras for sticking to your commitments.

Why Is It Important To Support Your Social Health?

Among many reasons, people who have healthy relationships tend to live longer and respond better to stress. In fact, a strong social network has been shown to help fight off the common cold, increase chances of survival after a heart attack, and aid in balanced hormones. In other words, quality social relationships are correlated to our overall mental and physical health. It’s no surprise that positive self-esteem is just one influential friendship away.

How Can You Support Your Social Health?

There are a variety of different ways to support your social health, even while physical distancing. If you’re local to the Denver area, meet a friend for a walk and picnic lunch at Philip S. Miller Park. On a snowy day, bundle up, grab a coffee, and check out the murals in RiNo. Start a book club with your friends — near or far — and schedule a monthly Google Hangouts. Take a Zoom cooking class. Last but not least, if you’re looking to grow your community with like-minded, passionate people, join a free group through Meetup.

To read more about how to stick to your commitments, hop over to my feature on Canvas Credit Union’s blog.