Cultivating Social Connections

At Aspen Wellness we believe healthy connections to be the foundation for wellness in the body. Our body systems function as one integrated network, connected within our skin. But what should connections with others look like on the outside? And do they truly matter to overall levels of wellness?

Experts in positive psychology place a high regard on emotional intelligence, a marker of how well a person navigates communication, relationships and the human experience (1). With special focus on the four domains…self- awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management, it’s apparent that emotional well-being can affect social connections and relationships can contribute to feelings of fulfillment spiritually, professionally and emotionally.

Take some time for a little self-evaluation of your social awareness and levels of emotional intelligence.

• How would you rate your levels of awareness when it comes to identifying your emotions? What about identifying the emotions of others around you?

  • 10- I can easily identify emotions in myself and others

  • 5 - I can identify my own emotions but not the emotions of others

  • 0 - I struggle to identify emotions in myself and others
    
    

• When it comes to decision making, are you generally driven by emotions or logic?

• How are you currently connected to the world around you? 

  • Does your level of human connection span beyond Facebook or Instagram? 

  • Do you have days where you lack conversation with another adult? 

  • Do your social connections hold quality or just quantity?

  • Are you able to empathize with others being sensitive to their needs?

  • Can you sense what others need from you in a relationship?

• A few thoughts to consider when cultivating a community for yourself: 

  • What activities do you currently partake in to encourage social community? 

  • Do you generally initiate social activities or do you join those all ready in existence?

  • What level of fulfillment do you feel with your current connections to others? 

• Ideas to help you spark community, in quarantine and out:

  • Fitness classes

  • Running or walking clubs

  • Volunteering at a community or faith based center

  • Taking time to talk with someone new in your neighborhood or social circle (6ft apart for now!)

  • Virtual book club or study with a group

  • Cooking or prepping a new recipe with a family member over Skype

  • Hosting a virtual dinner party with friends

  • Virtual coffee date, cup of tea or happy hour with a friend who is need of a pick me up

  • Reaching out to your elders via FaceTime or Skype

Although virtual community is not a complete substitute for face to face relationships, please understand there is purpose in this season and worth in an ever changing, technology heavy culture. Dig in and reach out to our virtual Aspen Wellness community - follow us on Instagram, like our Facebook page and see what we are highlighting on Pinterest. It might not seem like much, but it’s a start toward building deeper roots in the soil of the ever-growing Aspen community.

References:

1. Green, D. J. (n.d.). Coaching Behavior Change(N. D. Muth, Ed.). American Council on Exercise.