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A social support network is a group of people you can count on to support you. They can be the first people you call when something upsetting has happened, when you have a difficult decision to make, or when you have great news to share. Some of the people in your social support network may be professionals and support you in very specific ways (i.e. your family doctor or life coach), and other people in your network you may live or be in contact with every day.
First, let’s talk about why social support is important and why it’s important for your self-care. Research has shown that a lack of social support (isolation) can contribute to an ongoing state of chronic stress, which will negatively impact your immune system and put you at risk for dangerous conditions.
Now, what can strengthening your social support network do for you? Social support can improve the functioning of your immune system, protecting you from disease, and can increase your vitality, decrease your stress, and improve your self-esteem.
WHAT MAKES A STRONG SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORK?
STRENGTH: Make sure you don’t have one or two people to give you all the support you need. That can be hard on them and on you (if they suddenly can’t be there for you). Communicate regularly with multiple people.
VARIETY – Similarly, having many people in your support network gives you access to their different skills, perspectives, and experiences.
COMMON GROUND: If you’re dealing with a particularly difficult challenge or have a very specific goal, regularly finding and interacting with others in the “same boat” can have extremely beneficial results. Whether it’s to find out how others have handled a situation or to share some of your experience, groups like this can be a great boost to your self-care program.
SOMETHING TO REACH FOR – Make a point to build or strengthen your relationships with people who inspire, encourage and support you, and who empower you to grow and be your best self. For example, someone who is highly committed to their own self-care will inspire you to make positive self-care decisions. And someone who is very loving and understanding will help you feel good about yourself.
5 WAYS TO NURTURE YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK
1. Call or write both when things are going well and when they are not. Sharing your gratitude and appreciation can help deepen your relationships and will also intensify your good feelings.
2. Be open to new people. You never know when someone new will come into your life or what unique gifts they will bring. I think sometimes we’re meant to connect with certain people only briefly, so instead of thinking, “I don’t have time for a new friend,” go with your heart and be curious about what you can learn from interacting with this one. person.
3. Offer your help. Whether it’s people you know or people you haven’t met yet (ie through a volunteer position), helping others can be a wonderful boost to your own self-care. And remember that YOUR self-care still comes first!
4. Live the Four Agreements, created by Don Miguel Ruiz – Be impeccable with your word, do not take anything personal, do not make assumptions and always do the best you can.
5. If you don’t feel like talking to anyone, talk to someone. Sometimes we choose to be isolated. It can be really hard to communicate when we feel like this. Do it anyway.
It’s important to remember that your social relationships can also have a negative impact on your self-care. Unspoken truths, unintentional sabotage, or continually assuming the caregiver role can add stress and affect your commitment to self-care.
So instead, nurture your positive relationships and keep your social support network strong and working for you.
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