Many of us have experienced, heard, or read about the benefits of having a Social Life. Not only are there benefits to your physical and mental health, but did you know that connecting with friends, associates, and even strangers can help you to live longer, boost your brain health, and lower your risk of dementia?
The ways in which we define Social Life are as varied and colorful as there are human beings on this earth. Here I’ve listed a couple of definitions, which I believe broadly encompass most people’s understanding of this month’s theme:
- The public activities performed in association with others for the purpose of pleasure.
- The various bonds formed with others, such as family, friends, colleagues, members of a community and even strangers, which can be measured by the duration and quality of the social interactions on a regular basis both in person and online.
As I considered this Social aspect of Life, I realized that although I am a very social person and truly need to periodically be in a social setting, I realized that I also viewed social life as being a bit frivolous and trivial when compared with all the “important” aspects of life.
While reading the article, “Is There an Upside to Having No Social Life” by Madeleine Dore, I began to have a deeper understanding of how important and how meaningful it is for us when we are engaging with others not out of fear of missing out but because we truly are interested in being and sharing with others. This is truly one of the greatest joys of being alive.
In her article, Madeleine mentions that “having no social life left me with more free time than I’d imagine and the boredom and loneliness often associated with ‘doing nothing.” I too have struggled with boredom and lack of motivation, even with plenty of time on my hands to get things done. As I write this article, an idea came to me that with some of the things that I tend to lack motivation to do, I can create a social gathering around it and turn the chore into a fun time with others. Could you be motivated to do something you’ve procrastinated on by turning it into a social event?
Overall, it became clear to me that it’s essential to our wellbeing and quality of life to understand what the motivators for our Social Life are. Are you going out because you fear you will miss out? Do you seek to gain favor by socializing? Are you going out socially out of obligation? Once you understand the motivation, you can choose those social engagements that will enhance your day-to-day life and the joys it brings into your life.
Having been present during my father and aunt’s final years, I developed a deep desire to be sure that I stay engaged with life whatever the quality of my physical health. Living life to its fullest till the end of my days is very important for and to me. As I looked at this aspect of life to write this article, I have come to realize that staying in contact with and being actively social with friends, family, and others is a key secret of being and feeling alive.
I encourage you to get out there and make your Social Life as “important” as all the other aspects of life. Be joyous!