We're social beings, I was saying just the other day, and to continue to thrive, we need to stay connected. If your family isn't around, if you friends aren't around, your first job to stay vibrant and in good spirits, which will improve your health, is to stay connected.
So, how do you manage to do that with the resources you have?
Take an inventory of who you know and how often you meet and shoot the breeze. Yes, shoot the breeze, talk about the weather, old times, what you watched on t.v., what you bought at the store, what you'll have for lunch, whose funeral you heard about......No aiming at anything in particular, just be around someone else other than your constant companion(s).
People who have a good social life live healthier and longer.
It might be that you have to join a group. Check your church, your city's clubs, your YMCA, your old school alumni association.
And if you still can't get into a routinely rich social environment, ask your neighbor if you could tag along when he goes to Rotary, or the Garden Club. Still not sure? Start taking a class in something you always wanted to learn.
I joined the Garden Club, the political party of my choice, the Writers' Group, a reading group, the Smart Program. Then, as I became more comfortable, I ran for the office of trustee of the local school board, presently serving in my second term.
If your family and old friends keep you hopping, then you are fine, and need to do nothing.
The rest of us, though, could all use a bit of a hand in this area.
How about you? How do you stay connected?
