The impact of social connections on a balanced life
Good relationships play an essential role in maintaining balance in our lives. Good relationships with friends, family, and colleagues are critical for mental and physical health. These relationships help us reduce stress, provide inspiration, and provide support during difficult times in life. A balanced life does not depend only on work or success, but also on social connections. It gives our lives meaning and eliminates loneliness. Therefore, strengthening social connections is the key to a happy and healthy life.
American Psychological Association (APA) – Reports indicate that social connections reduce stress, boost the immune system, and increase life satisfaction.
Definition of social relationships
Social relationships refer to the mutual connections and interactions between people. It is not limited to personal feelings or exchanges, but is a complex web that connects every person living in society to each other.
These relationships can be of different types:
Family relationships: The birth or marital relationship we have with parents, siblings, and relatives.
Friendship: A relationship that is built on trust, respect, and love, that is built on one’s own will.
Workplace relationships: Professional relationships that develop due to work requirements with colleagues, superiors, or subordinates.
Social or community relationships: Connections that are formed with neighbors, club members, or people in a group.
Social relationships are an integral part of human life, which is very important for our mental and physical well-being.
Impact on mental health
World Health Organization (WHO) – WHO states that social relationships are associated not only with better mental health but also with longevity. Social isolation increases the risk of heart disease, depression, and premature death.
Reduction of stress
When we share our problems with family or friends, stress decreases. Support from loved ones helps us increase our mental stability, and we get the strength to deal with difficult situations.
Elimination of loneliness
Social relationships eliminate the feeling of loneliness. Being alone or feeling isolated is harmful to mental health. Spending time with friends or loved ones creates a positive feeling in the mind.
Increase in self-confidence
Social support helps us increase our self-confidence. When others praise us or believe in our abilities, we feel good about ourselves. It also motivates us to achieve our goals.
Mental balance
Social relationships help maintain mental balance. Good relationships serve as a source of joy, fun, and positive experiences in our lives, which help us overcome life’s adversities.
Social relationships do not just provide a temporary feeling of well-being, but they also create a strong foundation for our overall mental well-being and stability.
Impact on physical health
Increase in immunity
Studies have shown that people with strong social relationships have a relatively stronger immune system. This is because positive social contact reduces stress hormones in the body, which helps keep the immune system active.
Reduced risk of heart disease
Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, good social bonds can reduce the risk of heart disease. The support and companionship of loved ones help control blood pressure and keep our hearts healthy.
Increased life expectancy
Various studies have proven that people with strong social relationships live longer than others. Social relationships help people develop good habits, which are essential for a long and healthy life.
Healthy Living
Social connections encourage us to practice healthy living. For example, activities like walking together with friends, playing sports, or preparing nutritious meals play an essential role in forming good habits.
Social relationships at work
1. Professional development: When there is a good relationship with colleagues, the opportunity to learn from each other increases. This helps in acquiring new skills and solving problems.
2. Improving mental health: A good workplace environment reduces stress. If there is an opportunity to discuss openly with colleagues, the work pressure is eased, and mental instability is reduced.
3. Increasing productivity: Teamwork is more effective in a friendly environment. When everyone is respectful and cooperative with each other, both the quality and speed of work increase.
4. Morale and loyalty: Employees who can develop positive relationships with their colleagues are happier at work, and their loyalty to the organization also increases.
Social relations in the digital age
Reduction of distance: Thanks to digital technology, communication can now be maintained even from a great distance. Earlier, if someone went away for work, it was not possible to keep in touch with them regularly. And now, thanks to mobile phones, it is possible to talk on video calls from abroad. You can keep in touch through social media.
Easy connection: After completing your studies, you’ve left your friends far behind and haven’t kept in touch with them for a long time. But thanks to digital technology, you can now stay in touch with them. You can re-establish relationships with old friends.
New opportunities: You can make new friends online. You can maintain contact with them.
Ways to strengthen social relations
Active communication
Keep in regular contact with those who are far from you. Meet close friends in your free time. Keep in touch with your neighbors and help them in times of danger. Keeping active communication with close people is good for mental health. Active communication is essential to maintain good relationships. When you listen to other people, try to listen carefully to what they have to say.
Take up a new hobby or activity
National Institute on Aging (NIA, USA) – Research shows that staying socially connected supports emotional stability and reduces the risk of cognitive decline with age.
Learn something new: Join a class or workshop. For example: Take part in photography, cooking, or any other creative activity. This will introduce you to people who share your interests and build new relationships.
Maintain a positive attitude: Show empathy and understanding towards others. Be there for people during difficult times and offer them support.
Social relationships are essential for good health and a balanced life. These relationships help reduce stress, maintain mental stability, and increase physical well-being. From the workplace to personal life, strong social bonds make our lives meaningful and enjoyable. Even in the digital age, the importance of these relationships has not diminished in any way. Therefore, we should carefully nurture our social relationships and try to build new ones.
