Make Meaningful Connections

The world health organization (WHO) reports a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide as a result of the pandemic. You may think we are out of it, but not everyone has fully recovered or is able to be out in the world as they were before. Much of the increase in depression is attributed to social isolation and loneliness. The impact has been especially strong on young adults and women. However, this presents an opportunity as well. Anytime you’re dealing with major changes, you have a chance to develop new habits. Here are some suggestions to help you make meaningful connections.

Making Meaningful Connections Off-Line

Try these tips for making more meaningful connections. Genuine relationships usually require some face-to-face interactions. Try these strategies…

Listen closely. Show others that you care about what they have to say. Give them your full attention instead of looking at your phone and preparing your response.
Give generously. Focus on being helpful. Provide emotional validation and practical assistance.
Invest your time. Make your loved ones a top priority. Set aside time in your schedule for family dinners and outings. Meet up with friends for brunch and rock climbing.
Take risks. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Share your thoughts and feelings with those who trust. Reach out to someone from a different background to explore what you have in common.
Accept yourself. Real connections require you to be authentic. Remember that you are worthy of love and respect just the way you are. Advocate for your needs and stand up for your principles.
Think positively. You may feel rejected or disappointed at times when you reach out to others. Still you have much more to gain than to lose. Pick yourself up and keep trying to make meaningful connections.

Making Meaningful Connections Online

What about all your online friends. You can increase the quality of your online relationships too. Digital communications may also be especially important if you have health issues or other concerns that limit your ability to socialize off-line. Try these ideas to make more meaningful connections online:

Be kind. Online discussion sometimes become less than civil because users feel anonymous. There can also be misunderstandings due to the lack of nonverbal cues. Make an extra effort to be tactful and clear.
Upgrade your video calls. Simple steps can make zoom sessions more engaging. Look at your WebCam rather than your monitor and prop your camera up so that it is at eye level. Use headphones or microphone so both sides can hear.
Protect your voice. For video calls or the plain old audio version, you want to have a strong and pleasant voice. If you need to warm up, try humming for a few moments. Slow down and breathe deeply. Drink water, especially if your throat feels scratchy.
Communicate concisely. Brief messages are more likely to get read. Edit yourself and be specific.
Ask questions. Promote two way conversations. Asking relevant questions shows that you’re interested and makes it easier for others to reply.
Join community. Browse for groups where you can find others who share your interests. Participate in forms and post links to interesting or interesting news articles.
Stay safe. Be careful when you’re talking with strangers online. Ensure your devices are secure and avoid disclosing sensitive information such as your actual location .

Moving forward

Healthy relationships are essential for your health and well-being. When you develop close connections with family and friends, you make your life happier and more satisfying. Keep working to make meaningful connections!

Helping You Achieve Major Wellness!

Cheryl

Cheryl A Major, CNWC

I’m author, health coach, and entrepreneur Cheryl A Major, and I would love to connect with you. If you’re new to the world of creating a better mindset for yourself, please check out my training on how to do just that at Embrace Optimism. Learn how to improve your mindset and create a happier and more positive life for yourself and those around you.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter so you won’t miss my daily postings for health, wellness and mindset!