Social Connectivity Did you know that being socially

Social Connectivity Did you know that being socially connected greatly affects your health? 1. Connecting with loved ones helps to lower your risk for dementia. 2. People with social support tend to live longer. 3. Social engagement is associated with a stronger immune system helping you to fight off illness and disease. 4. Engaging with others increases feelings of well-being and decreases depressed feelings. Here are some ways to increase your social wellbeing: Skype or Facetime family and friends. Take a walk and stop to talk to those you pass. Sign up for group classes at the library, recreation center, or a local art venue. Attend religious services at a church, synagogue, or temple. Volunteer at a local charity/ organization. Start or join a book club. In the winter, a busy work schedule coupled with blustery weather can make it hard for us to connect to others. Our challenge for February is to make a conscious effort to increase our social interactions. Once a day, reach out to family, friends or coworkers to discuss what is happening in your life (other than work). For each day you complete this task, check off the coinciding circle on the next page.

Healthy Habit Tracker Challenge: 10/1 – 10/31 Social Connectivity SMART GOAL: Check off the days you connect socially with someone outside of your usual activities. M T W T F S S Week 1 Reflection: Before this challenge had you thought about how often you engaged in social connections? _________________________________________________________ Week 2 Reflection: What is your number one barrier to interacting with others on a daily basis? _________________________________________________________ Week 3 Reflection: Have you noticed any changes in your wellbeing since starting this challenge? _________________________________________________________ Week 4 Reflection: Have you found yourself connecting more frequently with those who you do not see on a regular basis? _________________________________________________________