Getting Healthy Together - Connecting With Others In Your Community For Optimal Health And Wellness

“No man is an island.” 
“People need people.”

These popular song titles and sentiments reference reality, the reality that community, whether we realize it or not, is a vital need. 

In today’s world, most of us spend a lot of time online. We work online, shop online, and we even connect with others online. 

But, while there can be value in such connection, there’s truly no replacement for in person relationships and experiences, especially within your neighborhood or community. 

Many health concerns and issues can arise when we lack connection within our communities, but thankfully there are a wealth of healthy benefits to be gained when we do reach out, sometimes beyond our comfort zones, and connect locally. 

Even better, you can amplify those benefits when you seek to get healthy through such avenues of connection! 

From indoor opportunities in the winter such as exercise classes and health fairs, to warmer weather activities such as community park events, goat yoga, dog walking groups, and more, there are a variety of fun, exciting, and effective ways you can come together with the folks in your community, even meet new people in your neighborhood, all while prioritizing your health and wellness. 

Here we’d like to take a look at the benefits of connecting within your community, and then we’ll cover some examples of how you can get healthy through these avenues of connection.

Why Should You Connect Within Your Community?

Oftentimes when we think of getting involved in our communities, we think of opportunities to volunteer and other ways to give back. 

And, while these activities and endeavors are truly invaluable, a great need for all communities (and those who get involved), today we’d like to focus on another aspect of community connection, one that’s a bit more personal. 

I see a lot of “you only have one life, live it to the fullest,” types of posts on social media. And, these sentiments are so very true, but we can sometimes miss a vital message that serves as a thread, holding those very words (and their meaning) together. 
If we fail to prioritize health, how can we expect to live a fulfilling life? 

In fact, if we fail to prioritize health, our quality of life diminishes, and without even realizing it, we may be limiting future opportunities to do all the things we desire to do in this life, including simple everyday enjoyments. 

As we examine the notion of connecting with others, centered around a common goal or focus of health and wellness, there’s so much to be gained. 

First, when you connect with others in your community…

1 - You are better able to handle the common stresses and anxieties of life.

Social connection has been proven to improve one’s ability to manage stress, and it can reduce stress overall. It’s even been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

2 - Your quality of sleep improves. 

Connecting with others in your community provides you with a support system and a sense of belonging, each of which have been shown to improve sleep.

3 - Your risk of disease lessens.

Studies have shown that social connection reduces the risk of chronic diseases and other health concerns such as heart attack, stroke, dementia, etc.

4 - You may live a longer life.

Aside from the reduced risk of disease that accompanies social connection, researchers have also found that a sense of community and connection prompts a reduction in unhealthy habits. 

For instance - stress is better managed, many individuals find it easier to quit smoking, sleep improves, folks make healthier dietary choices, and most people incorporate more exercise into their lives when they are connected to others in their community. 

These habits and benefits then combine to improve your health in such a profound way that leads to a longer, and often happier, lifespan.

Then, when we truly prioritize health and wellness together, we set out on a common path to gain…

1 - Improved Physical Health

An active, healthy lifestyle that prioritizes movement, nutrition, hydration, and more has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, improve energy levels, improve sleep, reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic illnesses including cancer, and much more.

2- Improved Mental Health

Even your mental health benefits from an increase in physical activity and a prioritization of both health and connection. 

We mentioned this as a benefit of social connection within your community, but as with physical health benefits, these rewards are amplified when we take necessary steps to get and be healthy. 

Leading a healthy lifestyle alongside others in your neighborhood helps you to better manage stress, which improves sleep. This also reduces anxiety and decreases the symptoms of depression. 

Even your brain performs better when you move your body and fuel it with nutritious foods.

3 - Improved Social Health

When we increase social activity and connection within our community this improves our ability to connect which thereby increases our self-confidence and self-acceptance. 

And, speaking from experience, anytime my confidence and self-acceptance has improved, my physical and mental health improve as well, aiding me in making the best, healthy, choices for my mind, body, and spirit. 

So then, how can you connect? 

What are some ways you can get involved in your community, getting healthy (and staying healthy) together?

Community And Health - A Healthy Connection

If you’re like me, you may be taking in this information with an air of “okay, these benefits all sound great, but how do I go about connecting with others in my community, especially with an emphasis on health?” 

I work from home. I homeschool my kids. So, I’m at home a lot. In fact, most times it seems like I only leave the house to do small errands or things with or for my children. 

Because of this, I feel like it’s become increasingly difficult to leave my comfort zone. 

And the only reason I’ve included this personal bit of information is because I’ve learned that this is the case for many. 

I stay connected with friends from my hometown through social media and messaging, and recently I’ve spoken to several people who’ve communicated the same comfort zone concerns. 

We can get so wrapped up in our routines, in our personal lives, that we neglect the need for connection. And the longer we nestle into such habits, the harder it is to take that step out and truly come together with others in our communities and neighborhoods. 

This can be even more difficult depending on the season.

Take winter, for instance, as I’m writing this, we’re in the throes of winter…in fact, there’s currently over a foot of snow blanketing my back yard right now. 

Of course, a scene like this doesn’t exactly create an inviting setting for an active neighborhood game of volleyball, but there are still ways you can prioritize health with other members of your community in the winter months (and beyond). 
For example…

Classes

I’m listing this as a broad category as there are so many opportunities to join classes within any given community. 

What’s great about classes is they generally provide a setting for folks within any given community to come together around a similar interest…here health. 

And, the possibilities are nearly limitless. In fact, if you can’t find a class specific to your interests, maybe you could consider starting one!

Surrounding the notion of health, consider the following options:

Fitness Classes - Such classes generally vary by community and include things like yoga, zumba, aerobics, etc. and each allow you to not only get physically active but connect with others as well.

Line Dancing Classes - Okay, so there are obviously other types of dancing, but line dancing classes have become increasingly popular in communities today, and this is a great way to get in some valuable physical activity and make a few friends in the process. 

Check online community boards for information here, but I’ve noticed many local breweries and eateries offer such activities. For instance, there’s a small craft brewery near me that offers free line dancing classes on Monday evenings. Cheaper than a gym membership, fun, and a great opportunity to move your feet and meet your new bestie! 

Cycling Classes - Many have turned to in-home cycling programs which provide opportunities to get in a great sweat session with an online trainer. But, those communities with in-person cycling classes are truly providing something that online classes can not…a way to prioritize physical health, boost social health, and even provide a sense of family for those who regularly participate.

Run Clubs

Most communities offer run clubs, groups of runners (of all ages and abilities) who meet to tackle a specified route or number of miles together, often followed by a cup of joe or healthy meal. 

While running clubs often meet throughout the year, personally I’ve found that the winter months provide the most benefit. Why? Because frankly, it’s so much more difficult to want to leave the comfort of your warm home in the colder months to venture outside for a run. 

But, when you form connections with fellow runners in your community simply by showing up for such clubs, this serves to keep you accountable and provide opportunities for further friendship as you tackle those winter (or any season) miles together! 

Team Sports Leagues

Remember in high school when you were a part of a sports team? This type of involvement provided you with a regular/routine way to be physically active, but it also allowed you to form and enhance friendships, even fostering other healthy habits as you worked together towards a common goal.

Even if you weren’t involved in organized sports in school, I’m sure it was easy to recognize the benefits others gained from participating in such team efforts. 
As adults, there are now more and more opportunities for similar involvement, from basketball leagues, pickleball teams, racquetball, and more. Be sure to check local listings to see what activities are available in your area. 

Health Fairs

Physical activity brings the body more benefits than we can truly imagine. But, physical fitness is only one part of whole-body health. 

Many communities commonly host health fairs, events where education and engagement surrounding health topics are key. 

Such events not only provide an opportunity to learn but may grant you with a means to:

• sample quality health foods, supplements, skin care, and other products
  
• receive important health screenings
  
• connect with those in your community surrounding similar health concerns or passions
  
• find ways to get involved in your community with a focus on health (like learning about other classes, clubs, and leagues going on in your area)
  

Cooking Classes

Nutrition plays a vital role in health and wellness. But, when I search for community opportunities to get healthy with others in my area, the focus largely seems to center around physical activity. 

So, this idea may not be common in your area, but if you’re up to it, consider starting a healthy cooking class or club in your community! (You can even mention this to your local chamber of commerce.) 

Especially if you’ve been able to attend a community health fair, take some of the information you’ve gleaned from such events and bring this to your neighborhood as a way to not only connect with others, but make some healthy, delicious treats in the process. 

I mean, we commonly see events around the holidays where people come together in communities to bake cookies…why not flip this? In the same cheerful, happy spirit behind a cooking baking night, host (or attend) a class, club, or event where you either learn to make a healthy meal, teach others how to do so, or simply come together to prep, cook, and eat together. 

Thus far, each of these ideas would be perfect for the winter months where we frequently spend more time indoors due to weather, colder temperatures, etc. 

And, while the above health-focused community connection opportunities would also be perfect for warmer seasons, let’s close out with a few season-specific ideas for connection in the spring, summer, and fall.

During less frigid times of the year, we’re all generally a bit more social. 

The temps are warm and inviting, we venture outdoors more often, and we commonly visit local parks, farms, lakes, etc. 

What better time to remain consistent, continuing to engage in activities which keep your stress levels low, your sleep prioritized, and your overall health and wellness optimal! 

So, consider the following activities, opportunities, and ideas to keep health and community a priority in the warmer months and seasons:

Goat Yoga, Park Yoga, Cat Yoga

Yoga is a great exercise for all fitness levels, and many communities like to get creative with ways to bring neighbors together surrounding this healthy activity.

In the summer and fall, our local orchard (which includes a barnyard) hosts something called goat yoga. 

Here, community members gather at sunrise to do yoga near the barnyard where they can enjoy one another’s company, the fresh orchard air, and the sight of playful (small) goats. (Of course, I’ve heard of this in many other communities throughout the country as well.) 

My local community also has a cat cafe. Here, one part of the cafe is for cafe and pastry enjoyment, and the other enclosed part of the establishment houses up to 10 adoptable cats from the local humane society. 

During regular hours, folks can book time with the kitties then enjoy a latte or scone, but there are also routine yoga classes held here where you can get in some movement in the cat room amongst all the sweet, snuggly kitties. 

Of course, if you prefer your yoga sans animals, most communities host times throughout the spring, summer, and fall where folks gather at local parks to do yoga together…as a class offered or simply as a group gathered with a common interest.

Dog Walking Clubs

Have dogs, will walk. 

If you regularly walk your dog in your neighborhood you likely already stop to chat with other neighbors, and you likely meet other dog walkers on your route. 

This, in and of itself, allows you to socially connect while being physically active, but you can take this a step further by joining a dog walking club in your community where you can meet other dog lovers and be active together.

Clubs, Leagues, And Classes

Most of the clubs and classes we mentioned above can also be done outdoors or throughout any season. 

Some warm weather ideas to add include - neighborhood walking clubs, kayaking groups, biking clubs, etc.

Community Park Clean Up

If you’re looking for a way to be active, meet others in your community, and volunteer your time and efforts to bettering your community, participating in clean-up efforts is a great way to do so. 

Most neighborhoods, at some point during the warmer months of the year, host days or events where community members come together to clean up parks and other public spaces. 

Attending such events keeps you active and provides needed social connection.

Community Gardens

Other than clean-up efforts, many communities are also now housing areas where fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be grown for the benefit of the entire community. 

A community near my hometown began such efforts a few years ago, and now several people come together to plant, maintain, harvest, and distribute the bounty from these gardens. 

This provides an opportunity to use your unique talents, learn new talents, meet people, be active, and grow nutritious, health-enhancing foods. A win for all involved! 

When it comes to health, wellness, and community connection, I hope you’ve been inspired to look at each idea listed above (all throughout the year) as an opportunity which affords new and unique ways to stay connected with others through a commitment to personal health and community connection. 

I mean, what do you have to lose? Better sleep, improved mood, boosted confidence, more energy, better overall health, longer days, and connecting with others…wins for everyone!

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Espresso .

Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Charles Livingston nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/about/index.html#

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4636437/#

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6125010/

https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ss/slideshow-exercise

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/physical-activity-its-important

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diet-nutrition/changing-habits-better-health#

https://www.totalactivehub.com/blog/benefits-of-healthy-living-for-optimal-well-being#

https://www.nih.gov/health-information/social-wellness-toolkit

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