Next in my Simple Ways to Rejuvenate Yourself is #9 – Socialise. Socialising is much more than just catching up with friends it actually provides health benefits and can help us to live longer.
My husband and I regularly catch up for lunch with another couple and although sometimes we aren’t really in the mood, we feel alive again after enjoying a meal with great company and have a few laughs.
Feeling in a rut or not wanting to go out is unhealthy and we have all been there. It is easy to fall into the ‘can’t be bothered’ syndrome, especially if we are feeling tired or life is too busy.
Sometimes you need to actually make the effort to get dressed and get out of the house. Socialising and enjoying the company of friends and family is a simple but sure way of helping us feel rejuvenated.
I have a weekly catchup with my Saturday Sisters. We run together every Saturday morning and use that time to not only exercise but to chat, laugh, cry, vent or whatever we need to do. We are there for each other and it is surprising how that one hour per week can lift my spirits.
Socialising also stimulates our minds and keeps our brains active. We learn from others, we share experiences and develop friendships. We can share common interests or have discussions with others who have different opinions or ideas.
Being social takes away the emphasis on YOU and your worries or problems.
As we age, we can become lonely if we lose a spouse or we divorce. We may have retired and lost daily contact with others. We sometimes need to start again with building friendships and it can be daunting.
The Benefits of Socialising
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Can delay memory problems as we age – Research from Harvard University showed that in people aged in their 50’s and 60’s who had active social lives and activity experienced slower memory decline was slower than those who rarely socialised.
- Can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease – Results of a study published in Heart Journal showed that:
A recent meta-analysis has shown that loneliness and social isolation are risk fators for corononary heart disease and stroke.
- Feeling needed and connected has a positive effect on our life
- Laughter stops us from concentrating on the negatives in our life
There are many ways to be social – it doesn’t just mean catching up for a coffee.
Book clubs
Family events
Visits to museums
Visits to the theatre
Seeing a movie and then discussing over lunch or dinner
Volunteering
Hobbies
Exercise classes
Church groups
Art classes
Dance classes
What is your favourite way to spend time with family and friends?
Next in the series will be….. #10 – Try something new
Let’s Keep Sizzling!
Click here to read more on how to Rejuvenate Yourself
16 Comments
This info is so important, Sue! I think as, bloggers/writers, we can isolate ourselves (using social media) too much. Luckily I have an extroverted husband who tends to be the life of the party wherever he goes! I do love my gym time and the classes I take there. I make it a point to meet with a couple of girlfriends for lunch and shopping, and sometimes a stand-up paddle or kayak date 🙂
I know Terri. Sometimes I sit at the computer for hours which isn’t good for me mentally or physically. I love my running girls, my family and I like your idea of the stand-up paddle or kayak date. Keeping healthy and social at the same time great idea! 🙂
nothing beats catching up with a friend for coffee and a chat. I’m not very good in big social groups – the noise and competition for conversation wears a bit thin, but one to one is a joy. One day we’ll have to do lunch 🙂
I’m more of a small group or one-on-one person Leanne. I would love to catch up for lunch with you one day we should include that on our bucket list! Have a great week. xx
A lot of people ask me why my mom is still in Brazil when I’m in Belgium for so many years.
The answer is socialization.
She has so many friends in Rio after living in the same area for 64 years that bringing her here, in spite of the better material conditions, would be the end.
People underestimate the power of socialization and support groups.
A great reminder from you, Sue!
It would be very difficult for your mum to leave her friends in Rio Debbie. Change is always difficult but if you also have a large social network it would be a great wrench in her life. Her happiness is all that matters no matter where she lives.
I totally agree with all the benefits you outline about socializing. I am an introvert which means I must have time alone or quiet time at home with just my husband to recharge. I stay in touch with people through church activities, singing groups and family time. I have to limit my outings so that I am not out every night of the week and have my recharge time. The one thing I don’t do a lot of is have time with women friends, though I have had periods in my life where that was of prime importance. But I’ve found some great friends in blogging groups, does that count?
I’m like you Molly. I like a certain amount of socialising but I also love being at home with my husband and having quiet time. We need to recharge so I for one couldn’t be out and about every day. Yes friends in blogging groups do count!!! I know I’ve made some great friends since I started and we have a real connection even if only a virtual one.
Socializing is very important. It is easy to get overwhelmed with work, but joining a group or volunteering not only helps get you out of the house but also gives you another sense of purpose!
Exactly Bill! Volunteering shows you are giving something back to others and that makes you feel good.
I was out listening to a neuroscientist last night and she said much the same about socialising, including the health problems. Thanks for all these good suggestions to make it happen.
Kathleen
Oh that would have been interesting Kathleen! We should underestimate the healthy benefits of simple things in life like socialising with others.
I’m a real introvert. I can be bad for being withdrawn and avoiding people, so it’s important to remember the benefits of socialising.
Yes it is hard. I’ve come ‘out of my shell’ more as I’ve grown older but still not a full on extrovert that is for sure. I still like my quiet time but it is healthy to have contact with others even for a coffee and chat.
This is one of my favorite methods of refreshing! I often think I’m an introvert, but honestly I must be an extrovert because being with others truly energizes me. Being home is good, too, but I just love people! I have found that the lifestyle change of the past two years — empty nest, not seeing friends as frequently because of different life seasons, etc. — has really gotten me down on occasion. I have to make an effort to get out and be with people. So, yes, I can personally vouch for every benefit you’ve mentioned here, and as for my favorite way to socialize? I love them all! 🙂
We are so alike Wendy! I do like my quiet time but I also love catching up with friends and even blogging friends. Over the last month or so I’ve started to lose touch with my blogging friends because we are all so busy. I always feel better after a run with my Saturday Sisters that is for sure.