Social Health

Social health is commonly defined as your ability to form meaningful relationships with other people and interact in healthy, positive ways. The way you connect to the people around you, adapt to different social situations, and experience a sense of belonging all contribute to your social health.

Why It Matters

Social health is important enough that the World Health Organization includes it in their definition of health: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” That’s because having meaningful relationships with other people can reduce stress and provide a sense of security that promotes good emotional health.

Research has shown that social health also impacts your physical health. According to this article, people who have less social involvement are more likely to experience drastic health problems than those who experience more social involvement. The article suggests that “supportive social ties may trigger physiological sequelae (e.g., reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones) that are beneficial to health.” That’s why it’s so important to consider your social health as part of your overall wellbeing!