Submitted by: Chantal Fillion
Registered Provisional Psychologist
VIVID Psychology & Wellness (Kensington)
Did you know that one of the best ways to reduce stress and combat burnout is through social connection? When we’re stressed and burned out, we often withdraw from others because we don’t have the time or energy to reach out. While a short break can help, prolonged withdrawal can harm our relationships and lead to isolation. Over time, this can cause serious harm to our mental health!
Humans are social by nature. We need good relationships to thrive, even if our enjoyment of social settings and situations varies. Research supports that people with strong social networks have better long-term stress resilience, health, and mental wellbeing. Social connections provide support during tough times and can bring new experiences, purpose, learning, joy, and love into our lives.
When we join activities, attend events, or even volunteer, we give ourselves the chance to meet new people we may connect with deeply. These connections can boost our self-esteem, self-acceptance, and sense of hope, motivating us to stay more engaged and live fuller lives. While feeling drained after social interactions can be totally normal, it can also be a sign that you feel unable to be your authentic self around others. This suggests a potential need for deeper, more genuine connections that help you feel understood, supported, and safe to be yourself.
Finding people we truly connect with takes time, but it’s never too late to get started. It is easy to become socially isolated without realizing it. If you’ve been feeling down and you’re not sure why, it may be time to reach out and start connecting more. If you notice someone else withdrawing, it may be helpful to encourage them to start connecting again as well.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider the following: making small changes can lead to more sustainable long-term improvements. Small changes are easier to maintain and gradually build into lasting habits. Taking manageable steps looks different for everyone, so try to make changes that feel like a good fit for you. If you feel like you need support or guidance in this process, you can always reach out to a mental health professional.
Community associations like the HSCA are a fantastic resource for improving your social connections and well-being! The HSCA offers a bunch of activities and programs that are meant to bring people together and to build stronger, healthier communities. They create opportunities for people to meet new friends, share common interests, and find a deeper sense of belonging and connection.
Consider checking out the HSCA Community Connections page or the events calendar for opportunities to join in and make a difference—for yourself and your community.
Links
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921311/