Social Health: Why Relationships Might Be the Most Powerful Medicine
You know how important it is to take care of your body and mind. But have you considered your social health? While we often focus on exercise, nutrition, and mental wellness, social health remains a frequently overlooked yet crucial aspect of overall well-being.
Understanding Social Health
Social health refers to our ability to build meaningful relationships and engage comfortably with others. It measures the strength and quality of our connections and how supported and connected we feel in everyday life. Though still an emerging concept, research shows that social health is as essential to our survival as food and water.
An Inspiring Story of Social Health
In a compelling TEDx talk, social scientist Kasley Killam shared a personal story of transformation. She described "Maya," a woman navigating major life changes—getting married, moving to a new city, starting a remote job, and caring for her father with dementia.
Despite maintaining good physical and mental health through exercise, a healthy diet, and therapy, Maya felt lonely and unfulfilled. It was only when she began fostering new connections with neighbors and old friends that she started to regain a genuine sense of health and well-being.
"Maya was Kasley herself."
Author's Summary
Social health—the quality of our relationships—is a vital but often ignored factor that deeply influences our overall wellness.