Social wellness means how well we build and keep healthy relationships, feel connected with others, and enjoy being part of a community. It's about more than just having friends—it’s also about having quality connections that help you feel a sense of belonging, trust, and support. 
Here are some simple tips to help you improve your social wellness, along with why it matters.

Why social wellness matters

• Feeling connected to others helps protect your mental and physical health. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with strong social connections are more likely to live longer, manage stress better, sleep well, and make healthy choices.
• On the flip side, feeling lonely or cut-off from others increases risk for serious things like heart disease, stroke, depression, or anxiety.
• According to University of New Hampshire Health & Wellness, signs of good social wellness include being able to ask for help, having friends you trust, managing conflict, and balancing time with others versus time alone.
• In one article from Illinois State University, social wellness was described as “about interacting and forming meaningful relationships… giving and receiving social support.”

Tips to improve your social wellness:

1. Make connections.
Reach out and start or restore relationships. It might feel a little awkward at first, especially if you’re busy or shy—but that’s okay. Some ideas:
✓     Join a group or club with a shared interest (sports, cooking, art, etc.).
✓     Volunteer your time. Helping others is a great way to meet people and build trust.
✓     Reach out to an old friend or family member—send a message or arrange a meet-up. Even small acts of connection can help.

2. Build healthy relationships.
It’s not just about being connected—it’s also about how the connections feel. Healthy relationships are supportive and respectful. Some practical steps:
✓     Communicate openly: share your feelings, listen to others.
✓     Set boundaries so that relationships feel safe and comfortable.
✓     Check in regularly with people who matter to you. Let them know you care.

3. Balance social time and alone time.
Being social is great, but everyone also needs some time alone to recharge. This health article reminds us to evaluate: Are you okay being alone? Do you surround yourself with people you trust?
So:
✓     Plan regular social activities.
✓     But also build in quiet time—read, walk alone, reflect.
✓     Ask yourself: do I feel comfortable being myself with others and when by myself?

4. Make everyday activities social.
You don’t always have to plan “big events” to connect. You can turn everyday things into social opportunities. For instance:
✓     Walk with a friend or neighbor instead of solo.
✓     Take a class (yoga, cooking, etc.) with someone else.
✓     Use chores or errands as chance to talk with someone, even briefly.

5. Be active in your community.
Feeling like you belong to a community helps your social wellness. According to the Boston University: having a network of people who support you and caring for diversity and inclusion are part of social wellbeing.
So:
✓     Attend community events or get involved with local groups.
✓     Get to know neighbors.
✓     Look for volunteer opportunities.

6. Take care of yourself
You can’t give to others if you’re burnt out, isolated, or under stress. Building relationships don’t begin until you create a healthy relationship with your body and mind.
That means:
✓     Sleep enough, eat well, move your body.
✓     Manage stress through relaxation, hobbies, fun.
✓     Reach out for help if you’re feeling lonely, anxious, or disconnected.


Final thoughts

Improving your social wellness doesn’t mean you have to be surrounded by people all the time. It means building meaningful and respectful connections, feeling like you belong, and balancing your own needs with being part of a group.
By making small efforts—reaching out, being open, turning everyday activities into social ones, and caring for your own wellness—you can strengthen your social wellness and help your overall health and happiness.
If you ever feel very disconnected or find relationships difficult, it’s okay to ask for help—from a counsellor, a trusted friend, or a community group. You don’t have to do it alone.

Remember: Our bodies and minds thrive when we feel connected and supported. Social wellness is a key part of being well—and you can take steps today to nurture it.

Sources/References:
•    https://www.unh.edu/health/social-wellness
•    https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/about/index.html
•    https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2023/01/your-social-wellness-is-important-pay-attention-to-it/
•    https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/stories/community/six-ways-to-improve-social-wellness