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Connectedness
A Wellness Corner Blog Post By NRCDV’s Wellness Warriors
One of our core beliefs at NRCDV is that community connection is a necessary and powerful component of social change. Our communities can be one of our most valuable assets—they are often an incredible source of strength, resilience, and hope. Feeling a sense of connectedness is a critical part of well-being, which is why developing a social support system and sustaining healthy relationships with our loved ones and our communities is so important.
Some ideas for promoting connectedness include:- Practice active listening with your loved ones, and try to surround yourself with people who listen authentically to you in return. Check in regularly with your friend who is going through a challenging time – your love and support could mean the world to them. Check in with your friend who is having a good time too, and celebrate their successes with them. And, check in with your strong friends too.
- Participate in community activism! Not only does this keep you connected to your community, evidence shows that activism makes us all feel like we matter and can help to promote resilience and healing.
- Take breaks with your coworkers. Eat lunch together, go for a walk, or have some tea and chat about something other than work. If you work from home, try to connect with your colleagues over the phone or through video conferencing from time to time instead of emailing.
- Learn about and support the good work being done by programs and individuals in your community. Identify organizations, services, and local leaders that serve communities of color and marginalized groups in your area and offer to volunteer.
- Expand your social support system by trying something new! Participating in a book club, joining a community garden, taking a dance class, becoming a mentor, or signing up for a sports team with your local parks and recreation department can all be great ways to form relationships with new friends.
Our communities are both powerful vehicles for social change and great sources of resilience and hope. Spending time with our loved ones and building community connections can nourish us and help us to bring our best, fullest selves to our work.
#WellnessCorner
