Step Four of our 10 Ways to Feel More Connected in Your Life resource encourages you to ‘Cultivate Deep Relationships.’ Strong, meaningful relationships provide emotional support and are crucial for well-being. OneNature’s work has shown that communities with strong social ties are better equipped to handle environmental challenges and thrive. Our interactions with other people significantly impact our happiness and general well-being throughout our lives. Deep connections can improve empathy for others, boost self-esteem, and reduce anxiety and sadness. Maintaining healthy and wholesome connections is a crucial element in cultivating a content and enriched life. By investing time in nurturing your relationships, you contribute to both personal and community resilience.
Many literature reviews have found that deep relationships have a direct and consistent correlation to one’s happiness. One study, focusing on close relationships and happiness across cultures, sought to prove that “regardless of economic conditions or other hardships, those with close and stable partners, family members, and friends on whom they can depend live longer and are happier”. Social connectivity also benefits society by fostering active and fruitful communities in addition to assisting us in building healthy connections. The relationships and connections that make up a community determine just how strong it really is.
The aftermath of natural disasters has shown us how important it is to have strong social ties within your community. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we saw the impact isolation can have on our mental health and well-being. We also saw communities coming together to show care and compassion to one another in an unprecedented and confusing time. We saw a similar increase in compassion and social connectedness recently. Hurricane Helene devastated many communities in the southeastern region of the United States. Due to this, Asheville, North Carolina, a town in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, has been making the headlines. Residents in Asheville have been facing catastrophic devastation to their homes, infrastructure, and land. These communities have rallied together by utilizing mutual aid and on-the-ground work to look after one another and begin rebuilding their beloved town, showing us once again the importance of cultivating deep relationships with those around you.
Need help maintaining or creating relationships?
- Schedule regular catch-ups with friends and family.
- Join social clubs or groups that interest you.
- Practice active listening and empathy.
Building strong relationships provides emotional support and a sense of belonging, which is crucial for overall well-being. We must make the effort to appreciate the significance of our relationships with friends and family and their influence on our overall well-being.