When The Beatles sang “I get by with a little help from my friends,” they were making a public health statement (though probably not intentionally).
Having friends or a close community of support is important for our well-being, but it can be easy to forget that in the dark winter months when the last thing we want to do is leave our house.
Good friendships may help extend our lifespans, reduce our risks of high blood pressure, and keep our brains healthy, according to a review of recent research from Live Science.
That’s why we need to make time for community this winter. It doesn’t have to be something big, but rather, an intentional act of making time for people in your life who are important to you. Your health, and the health of your friends and family, will be better for it!
Here are a few ways to help get you started:
Offer to take your friend’s kids to school so they can have the morning to themselves, or do a grocery run for someone. Bake a dessert and leave it on a family member’s doorstep or take your next door neighbors out to dinner.
These small acts of kindness will show your community that you care about them and that you’re here to support them if they’re ever in need of help. It will also likely mean your neighbors are willing to help you out when something goes wrong, too!
Sometimes the dull, gray, cold weather during the winter can make it hard to be our best selves. Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder, with symptoms like depression or loneliness. One thing that may be able to help with some of these feelings is having something to look forward to with your fellow community members who are going through the same thing.
Plan a shared interest group that meets once or twice a month during the winter to do something you all enjoy, such as cooking a meal, discussing a book, watching a favorite movie series, or going on a hike.
You may be ready to expand your social circle and welcome new faces into your life. While this is often more challenging to do as an adult, there are many other people also eager for new friends and experiences.
Join a recreational sports team like soccer or dodgeball. Find a group on Meetup.com with people who share your interests. Or join a neighborhood social media group, where members are often looking for new friends to go out to dinner or on walks with.
Questions about health insurance? Contact a Sea Mountain Personal Insurance Specialist today!
