Humans are social organisms, and the desire to belong is profoundly embedded in our DNA. That is why, since the dawn of time, humans have been drawn to form their own communities. Today, significant communities are still being developed around various common interests or qualities, such as religious or spiritual groups, professional associations, neighborhoods, volunteer groups, or sports clubs. Indeed, belonging to a group or community with which we can identify aids in the development of a stronger sense of personal and communal identity. It can also enhance our self-esteem and drive to take on the world and make our ambitions a reality. But the value of community extends beyond that. Social connections are formed when you are part of a community.
People these days are more upfront about their mental health and actively working to improve it. That’s tremendously beneficial because mental illness was a significant worldwide health issue even before the COVID-19 epidemic. According to some estimations, the number of people who suffer from anxiety and depression grew by 25% in 2020 when our world underwent a permanent transformation as a result of the travel and social constraints that became a normal part of daily life.
What is the link between social connection and well being
What exactly is social interaction? It is the sensation of being near and having a sense of community with others. The past few years have shown us that healthy social ties are essential to our happiness. Physical and mental health are intricately linked to the connections and relationships we have with others, as a growing amount of research is continuing to show.
There is plenty of evidence to back this up. Women who saw friends and relatives at least once a week was 10% less likely to experience psychological discomfort than those who had less frequent contact, according to a study from the annual Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. Men’s results were very similar, coming in at 8%. less likely to experience.
Importance of a community or social connections:
Support and security
During the COVID pandemic, living with uncertainty has become the norm. This has made having a robust support network more crucial than ever. Indeed, one of the primary reasons for the value of community is that it can help us overcome feelings of hopelessness and provide us with the assurance that we are safe when we are surrounded by our community. Furthermore, the benefits are reciprocal, since helping others helps us.
Belonging and connection
Togetherness is so important to our human experience; knowing we are a part of something bigger can help give our life significance. Finding individuals who share our beliefs, hobbies, and world views allow us to realize we are not alone and makes us feel valued. Indeed, belonging emphasizes the importance of community: belonging gives us a greater sense of self and can help us cope with unfavorable experiences and feelings.
Influence
In order to prevent ourselves from developing unhealthy bssssssss or thoughts, we occasionally need an extra push. Another factor supporting the significance of community is experiencing the beneficial effect of like-minded individuals. Although studies show that our capacity for self-care contributes to our general health, there are times when we just don’t feel like it. Communities have the power to inspire and motivate us to make investments in our health and make positive changes in our lives.
Sharing
Sharing experiences, thoughts, and emotions improve not just our sense of self but also the community as a whole. In this instance, more is definitely better! Not to mention the enormous good impact sharing may have on mental health: increased involvement, uplifting feelings, and empowerment are just a few advantages.
Learning
Communities are typically formed around shared interests, but this does not imply that they are homogeneous. We might still find people inside them who have different points of view, experiences, or ideas, and learning from them can help us to conclusions we might not have reached on our own.
We may all contribute to the development of meaningful human relationships and reap the benefits of the healing power that comes with a feeling of community and a broader perspective. So, why not make it a mission to form stronger ties with individuals in our immediate community? Today is an excellent day to start seeking for or developing your own network, and to begin to understand and appreciate the value and power of community.
