Relationships, relationships, relationships!
As a future teacher, this is something I have been told and learned about so many times – but this extends out to each individual. Having and maintaining healthy social connections is proven to increase happiness, lead to better health, and a longer life. During COVID-19, maintaining these relationships have never been harder, hence why I believe bringing awareness to this topic is valuable to all.
Connect with Yourself
This is key. And something not everyone does. It is important to reflect and check in with your emotions. Finding ways to relax and explore the thoughts swirling in your head is valuable to maintain self-care. Relaxing ways could include meditation, yoga, getting a massage, taking a bath, or going for a walk. In addition, it is important for one’s health to do something you enjoy everyday – this could be dancing, listening to your favourite music, watching a tv show, gardening, or reading.
Overall, connecting with others in a friendly, family, or romantic-level will help reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, lead towards better and faster healing, ambition to maintain healthy behaviors’ and a greater sense of purpose.
Connect with Others
Spending time with friends or loved ones will ease stress and overall improve your mood. These positive emotions can also build emotional strength. By surrounding yourself with people you trust, studies show that laughing can help decrease pain, promotes muscle relaxation, and helps reduce anxieties.
I hope this inspired you to call or message a friend or family member. Remember, we are all in this together!
xoxo missrose
References
https://www.mhanational.org/taking-good-care-yourself
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/5-benefits-of-healthy-relationships