Wellness Tips: Building Bridges

Building Bridges

Simple Steps for Strengthening Connections

By Lydia Zerby

People crave connection in many different forms. Physical, social, emotional and environmental connections directly impact whole-body wellness. When we feel connected, we can contribute to our communities, stay physically active and support others.

The Live Healthy Iowa (LHI) team approaches the concept holistically. Simple changes in behaviors or thought processes can help people form deeper connections. Follow these tips for enhancing the many connections in your life.

Environment. Whether hiking in the woods or kayaking on the river, exposure to nature has been linked to many mental health benefits, such as improved attention, better mood, lower stress and increased empathy. The sense of connection one has to the natural world contributes to one’s happiness, so make it a point to integrate nature into your everyday life.

Food Sources. Interest in where food comes from and purchasing from local farmers or producers has increased over the past few years. Connections like farmers and buyers, children and gardening, families and farm tours are vital in building healthy food systems. As the distance has increased between consumer and producer, transparency and connections to the food system are critical for sustaining our economies and food education.

Socialization. When people feel a sense of belonging and find a support network, they sleep better, embrace healthier habits, experience less stress and have a better quality of life. To improve in this area, carve out time to meet with friends and family, volunteer for meaningful organizations, or even join a group of people who enjoy the same hobby.

Self-Care.Taking care of yourself so you can be healthy, rejuvenated and able to care for others is essential in this fast-paced world. Self-care is one way to cope with daily stressors, but the practices aren’t the same for everyone. Consider what makes you smile, feel cared for or reenergized, and allow yourself to engage in those activities regularly. When you feel good about yourself, you are more open to connecting with and supporting others.

Lifelong Learning. Research shows mental health flourishes when a person dedicates time to learning opportunities. Adult learning increases self-esteem and confidence, especially when the skills meet a need. Consider signing up for a class to learn a new skill, or use the internet to access online resources from experts in their fields. Lifelong learning is linked to feeling more connected to the world around you. Pair up with a friend in this area to focus on lifelong learning and social connection.