The health benefits of social fitness
Next time you’re feeling the pangs of FOMO, keep in mind: Getting out and spending time with friends and loved ones could boost your health.
“It’s been proven that positive relationships are the thing, as we get older, that serves as the foundation for longer living and happier lives,” Smerling said. “Strong relationships can help to reduce anxiety, depression and even chronic illnesses.”
Scientists are still investigating the biological factors behind the health benefits of social connections. They’ve discovered that friendship can protect us by altering how we respond to stress, which can negatively impact our bodies in various ways, including affecting our coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation and immune system.
Strong relationships also provide mental health benefits, offering social support, boosting self-esteem and fostering a sense of belonging. These connections trigger the release of “good hormones” like oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin, promoting feelings of contentment, calm, trust and connection.
“When we don’t have positive relationships in our lives or we are not practicing social fitness, loneliness and isolation can run rampant,” Smerling said.
These issues can be highly detrimental to our mental and physical well-being, particularly as we age. Lacking social connections has been linked to a range of health problems, including mental distress, insomnia, weakened immune function, cardiovascular issues and cognitive decline in later life and increased mortality.
How to improve your social fitness
Smerling’s top tip for improving your social fitness? Prioritize live interactions with others.
This can be as simple as going to lunch with a friend or taking a walk with a family member. You could even reach out to someone you haven’t seen in a while and check in with them.
“This does not have to be complicated — and just like a muscle, the more you ‘work out’ your social fitness, the easier it becomes,” Smerling said.
In her book, Smerling explains how we learn to build relationships with people outside of our immediate circles as children but, as adults, often forget how to be spontaneous and curious. This, she said, can hinder the ability to make deeper connections.
“As adults, we have to embrace the curiosity and spontaneity that are natural hallmarks of childhood,” Smerling told The Post. “Doing this allows us to become more open and playful, which keeps us young and makes building connections more natural.”
If you’re looking to expand your social circle, Smerling recommends joining an activity that encourages interaction, such as a book club, running group or pottery class.
Once there, try setting small goals for yourself, like introducing yourself to two new people or asking one person for their phone number to meet up again.
While many turn to the internet for interaction these days, Smerling insists nothing beats face-to-face connections.
“Social fitness means prioritizing real relationships or creating authentic relationships with people in face-to-face situations, not just online,” she said.
Get the latest breakthroughs in medicine, diet & nutrition tips and more.
Subscribe to our weekly Post Care newsletter!
Thanks for signing up!
A recent survey from the American Psychiatric Association found that in early 2024, 30% of adults reported experiencing feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, with 10% saying they felt lonely every day. Young people were the most likely to report such feelings.
Conclusion
Social fitness is a vital aspect of maintaining our overall well-being. By prioritizing live interactions and building meaningful connections, we can reduce the risk of loneliness and isolation, and improve our mental and physical health. Remember, social fitness is a skill that can be developed and strengthened with practice, just like any other muscle.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of social fitness?
A: Social fitness can help reduce anxiety, depression, and chronic illnesses, while also providing mental health benefits such as social support, boosting self-esteem, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Q: How can I improve my social fitness?
A: Prioritize live interactions with others, join activities that encourage interaction, and set small goals for yourself, such as introducing yourself to new people or asking someone for their phone number to meet up again.
Q: Why is social fitness important?
A: Social fitness is important because it can help reduce the risk of loneliness and isolation, which can have negative impacts on our mental and physical health as we age.
Q: Can I practice social fitness online?
A: While it’s possible to connect with others online, Smerling emphasizes the importance of prioritizing face-to-face connections and building relationships with people in real-life situations.
