Strategies for maintaining your general health: Different ways to help you maintain your overall general health

January 2007     View PDF     View Schedule     En español

Social health

Social health is not only having healthy personal relationships with others. It also includes one’s relationship to his or her communities and the general health of those communities.

While some people enjoy and are energized by social activities, others are not. Social health doesn’t always mean participating in large groups or even attending large social events. It does mean, however, developing meaningful relationships that include getting involved in community. Social health is about giving and receiving support from community and loved ones.

The paths to promoting and maintaining your social health are varied. Sometimes it starts by simply thinking about your personal relationships, identifying which are most meaningful and why. Are you happy with your friendships? What might you do to strengthen those you have and/or develop new ones?

Are you being the kind of friend you want to be and do you have the kinds of people in your life who support you? What can you do to take part in community? Volunteer to help teach children to read? Write a letter to an elected official advocating for an issue of importance to your community? Help your neighbor with his or her groceries?