Social Support: Tap this Tool to Beat Stress

A strong social support network can be critical to help you through the stress of tough times, whether you’ve had a bad day at work or a year filled with loss or chronic illness. Since your supportive family, friends and co-workers are such an important part of your life, it’s never too soon to cultivate these important relationships.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that having a network of supportive relationships contributes to psychological well-being. When you have a social support network, you benefit in the following ways:

Sense of Belonging:

Spending time with people helps ward off loneliness. Whether it’s other new parents, dog lovers, fishing buddies or siblings, just knowing you’re not alone can go a long way toward coping with stress.

Increased Sense of Self-Worth:

Having people who call you a friend reinforces the idea that you’re a good person to be around.

Feeling of Security:

Your social network gives you access to information, advice, guidance and other types of assistance should you need them. It’s comforting to know that you have people you can turn to in a time of need.

If you want to improve your mental health and your ability to combat stress, surround yourself with at least a few good friends and confidants. A successful relationship is a two-way street. The better a friend you are, the better your friends will be. Start making more friends or improving the relationships you already have. Whether you’re the one getting the support or the one doling out the encouragement, you’ll reap a plethora of rewards.