Feeling connected to ourselves, to other people and to the world around us is at the heart of wellbeing.
Connecting in a way that feels good for you.
Taking time connect with our partners, families, friends, work colleagues, neighbours, pets or others in our communities is key to our wellbeing, happiness and resilience. Connecting with others helps us feel close to people, and valued for who we are. Being social can mean different things for different people. You might prefer being in quieter connection with one other person, or you might like the melee of a big group. In whatever way works; simply connect.
Some Ideas You Could Try
Talk to a Stranger
A lot of people shy away from speaking to strangers. But if we learn to do this it can be incredibly enriching, for ourselves and society. People tend to underestimate how much they might enjoy a conversation with a stranger, feel connected to them be liked.
Even just making eye contact, saying hello, offering someone help, asking how someone is and really listening – can all make a huge difference in how you feel and how other people feel.
Reaching Out
Humans are a social species and our brain is hardwired for connection. Whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, people all need to feel connected to others.
If you can’t think of anyone you want to reach out to, perhaps you could find connection through the Befriending Network (see below)
Write a Gratitude Letter
Practicing and expressing gratitude is a powerful way to improve your well-being and strengthen your relationships with others.
Writing a gratitude letter to a relation, friend, colleague or mentor, helps you acknowledge their kindness, help and support and makes you both feel better.
Get involved
Being part of a community help us feel happier, safer and can make life more meaningful. It can even provide protection from the emotional harm of discrimination.
Yet, although most of us live in towns and cities, we don’t always feel that we are connected to our neighbours.
Getting involved in a local community group can provide this sense of connection. There are always many groups to choose from. Perhaps you could find a local group for something you care about and join in!
Connect with the Natural World
There are numerous proven benefits to spending time in nature, whether in green spaces like gardens, parks, forests or the countryside or blue spaces like rivers, canals and the sea.
Caring for indoor plants and even watching nature documentaries is good for our mental health.
And the connection works best if we take the time to notice the flowers, the butterflies, the birdsong and the myriad of tiny creatures who live alongside us.
Free Wellbeing Resources Library
Explore our library of free resources, toolkits, videos, podcasts, events and courses which can support you to build wellbeing for yourself and the community where you live. And you can add your own resource!
UK Directory of Wellbeing Opportunities
Explore our directory of wellbeing opportunities, projects and practitioners across the UK. Type in your postcode and find out what’s happening near you! You can also add your own markers on the map!
Want some more ideas of how you can connect?
Learn more about the importance of staying connected with others and how maintaining meaningful relationships supports your wellbeing.
Take a look here