Happy New Year! Whether you’ve already planned 2023 resolutions or you haven’t thought about making any, consider prioritizing social connections and reconnections in the new year. It is common to make physical health and wellness goals for the new year but social health is equally as important. In fact, the two are actually linked. Research shows that strong social connections are linked to longer life expectancy.
The new year is a great time for reflection. Allow yourself some time to sit back and reflect on the relationships you would like to focus on this year and try these Hello4Health™ activities to build or strengthen them:
- Reconnecting with friends and family can be daunting. Try these reconnecting tips for ideas on how you can make that process easier.
- Feeling barriers in a friendship or relationship due to differences is normal. Check out this Hello4Health resource on how you can connect across differences.
- Reflecting on memories you have together can be fun. Try creating a connection capsule with friends and family.
The Importance of Social Connections
Help us spread awareness about the importance of social connections!
Social health plays a huge role in mental and emotional health. Help us spread awareness by sharing this video with your friends, co-workers and family. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for tips on how to connect with others.
Well-Being Resources for All Ages
Did you know Allina Health offers mental health and wellness resources for individuals of all ages? You’re probably most familiar with Hello4Health™, which focuses on social connections for adults, but we’ve got two other initiatives for parents, kids or teens. Explore the resources and skill-building activities below.
Health Powered Kids focuses on youth ages 3-14 with lesson plans to help kids be active, keep clean, find balance and eat well.
Change to Chill focuses on youth ages 13-19 with resources to help teens become more aware of what is causing them stress and how to manage it.