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Social contacts play a central role in our emotional and mental well-being. They influence our daily lives and health in many ways.
We’ve summarized how social relationships influence us and made a list of useful tips that will help you make new contacts and strengthen existing relationships.
Social contacts are the connections we have with other people – be it through friendships, family or professional relationships. These connections are essential to our well-being as they provide us with support, comfort and joy. People are inherently social beings, and the sense of belonging to a community is deeply embedded in us.
Science shows the positive effects of social contacts on our health. Positive social interactions can reduce stress, increase self-esteem and provide a sense of belonging. People who have strong social networks are often happier and less prone to depression and anxiety. Social support can also help people better cope with difficult life situations and build resilience.
Conversely, loneliness and social isolation can have serious long-term effects on our health. Recent studies show how important social contacts are. Loneliness and social isolation are as harmful as 15 cigarettes a day. For example, people who feel isolated are at higher risk of suffering from depression, cardiovascular disease and other health problems. Long-term isolation may also increase the risk of dementia and other cognitive impairments.
That is why it is particularly important to consciously work on maintaining and strengthening social contacts. They not only enrich our lives, they are also essential to our health and well-being.
To maintain social contacts, it’s important to communicate regularly with friends and family and plan meetings. This can be done through telephone and video calls or face-to-face meetings. Regular communication helps to strengthen ties and maintain a sense of connectedness. Schedule fixed times for conversations or meetings to make sure these connections are not neglected.
Another important aspect of maintaining social contacts is active listening. Show interest in the feelings and thoughts of your friends and family and listen actively. Be ready to open up and share your own feelings. Trust and emotional closeness develop over time when both sides are willing to invest in the relationship.
Shared interests and activities are an excellent way to cultivate social contacts. Find out what hobbies and interests you share with your friends or family members and plan activities together. This can be anything from sports to cooking to cultural events. Shared experiences strengthen bonds and create valuable memories.
Meeting new people can be challenging, but there are plenty of ways to network. Join local associations or groups that share your interests, volunteer or attend events and workshops in your area. Is your neighborhood association hosting a Christmas party or your employer inviting you to a lunch lottery? These are a good chance to take the first step. Common interests create a connection from the outset. Online platforms and social media can also be helpful for meeting new people. It takes courage, openness and energy to be the “new person” – but it’s worth it.
Openness and authenticity are important when it comes to building new social relationships. Be honest and believe in yourself enough to show your true self. This is sometimes easier said than done when you find yourself in a new and unfamiliar environment where you “don’t know anybody.” But don’t forget: People value authenticity and are more attracted to you if you don’t pretend. Openness builds trust and lays the foundation for a long-term and meaningful relationship.
Shyness and social fears can make it difficult to make new contacts. So it is important to recognize these fears. Depending on the type of fear you have, you can start to counteract it yourself with small steps. For example, have short conversations with strangers or attend events where you feel comfortable. Over time, it will be easier for you to reach out to others and establish new social contacts.
However, if you are under greater psychological strain and feel limited by your shyness and anxiety, it can help to talk to a healthcare professional. Your general practitioner is the right person to contact to get help with this.
Expanding your social circle and building new relationships takes time and commitment. Perhaps on the first day of your volunteer work, you will meet someone with whom you get along right from the start. However, it may take a little longer to feel like a regular member of a volleyball team. Do not be discouraged by this and try to be patient. It’s worth taking a step outside your comfort zone: While establishing social contacts may not happen overnight, some of these friendships will last forever.
Social contacts are an essential part of our well-being and health. They provide support, comfort and joy and help us to survive difficult times. It is worth investing time and effort in establishing and maintaining social contacts.
In the long run, strong social ties have many benefits. They can reduce the risk of mental and physical health problems and improve our overall wellbeing. By actively engaging in social contacts and building new relationships, we can lead a more fulfilling and healthier life. Encourage yourself to stay in regular contact with friends and family, meet new people and forge deeper connections.
Investing in social contacts is an investment in your health and well-being.
Nadine Graf is a theme manager and writes texts for AXA on topics related to insurance and beyond.
