Healthy social life: how to have one?
When we talk about social life, we refer to the activities carried out in contact with other people in the public or in community spaces. In this sense, we all have it to a greater or lesser extent since we cannot live in solitude without interacting with the environment. However, how do we know if we have a healthy level or if it is being affected by the natural process of menopause? Here, we will explain the meaning of social life and how to improve it.
Healthy interpersonal relationships
Strong relationships are part of a healthy life. It's about the bonds you build with others, such as family, friends, members of your community, and strangers. It can be measured by the length and quality of the social interactions on a regular basis, both in-person and online. Due to human nature, strong relationships are critical to our mental and physical health. Although technology has changed the way we interact, it has not affected the need to build supportive bonds with other people. Like all areas of life, it can become problematic if you don't have adequate control. Interpersonal relationships can become conflictive or unsatisfactory. At this time, they are no longer considered healthy (Psychology Today, 2019).
Impact of social life on menopause
In this stage, you may experience difficulties or anxieties interacting with other people. Researchers and psychologists have shown a direct positive effect on symptoms of anxiety and stress when you feel connected to others. In turn, feeling connected, increases trust, social support and close relationships (Kotijah et al., 2021). Menopause is known to cause psychological and social issues such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, and stress which can result in social isolation. Women feel misunderstood or ashamed of the new way their bodies and emotions react during this period in their life. This can gradually narrow the circle of trust and support woman might have had previously and ends up breaking her down. And it also prevents new connections from developing (Couto & Napoles, 2014).
How to build a healthy social life?
For most people, it is challenging to make new friends as they get older. They consume their energies on professional or family demands. Their relationships usually don't grow into something more lasting. The first thing to build healthy interactions with others is to work on your own well-being. You should eat a balanced diet, do physical activity, and practice meditation and relaxation exercises. Remember that it is not about satisfying others, but about strengthening yourself. Making friends takes effort. Considering this, attending social events and actively interacting with people with the same interests is healthy. Remember to be present with a positive attitude. Another good idea is to start activities outside the home, for example, going to a gym. Remember that in addition to the benefits of exercise on the symptoms of menopause, you can meet new people. Similarly, try attending a religious circle if that's to your liking. The idea is to expand the interaction with other people. Always look for activities that interest you (Psychology Today, 2019). In short, it is well known that a healthy social life provides emotional support for difficult times. So, it's no wonder building strong bonds is so important. These will help you cope with the physical and emotional changes of menopause. Work consciously and constantly to strengthen your emotional ties and avoid isolating yourself. This will ensure a healthy environment and a better quality of life during menopause. References Couto, D., & Nápoles, D. (2014). Aspectos sociopsicológicos del climaterio y la menopausia. MEDISAN, 18(10), 1409-1418. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1029-30192014001000011&lng=es&tlng=es. Kotijah, S., Yusuf, A., Aditya, R., Solikhah, F., & Mosteiro, P. (2021). Development of social support model to reduce menopause Women’s Anxiety. Ansiedad y Estrés, 27, 81-88 https://doi.org/10.5093/anyes2021a11 Psychology Today. (2019). Social Life. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/social-life