SOCIAL WELLNESS CHECKLIST

POSITIVE SOCIAL HABITS

• Building support systems can lead to improved mental and physical health.

• Tips for connecting with others to enhance social wellness include:

  • Joining a group focused on a favorite hobby.

  • Taking a class to learn something new.

  • Trying physical activities such as yoga or tai chi.

  • Participating in artistic groups like choral groups or theater troupes.

  • Volunteering in community spaces like gardens, libraries, or hospitals.

  • Engaging in neighborhood events.

  • Joining local community organizations.

  • Traveling to new locations to meet diverse individuals.

CARE FOR YOURSELF WHILE CARING FOR OTHERS

• Caregiving can be demanding and stressful, impacting health.

• Strategies to maintain personal health while caregiving include:

  • Creating to-do lists to organize tasks and set a daily routine.

  • Asking for assistance; include a list of tasks others can help with (e.g., someone staying with the person in care).

  • Taking regular breaks each day to recharge.

  • Keeping hobbies and interests alive as much as possible.

  • Seeking support from caregiver groups for advice and comfort.

  • Maintaining a nutritious diet and exercising regularly.

  • Participating in classes that enhance caregiving skills, offered by hospitals.

GET ACTIVE TOGETHER

• Physical activity boosts health, mood, and energy levels. Friends and social connections can motivate.

• To engage in physical activity with others:

  • Build a network for shared support.

  • Create a shared routine, committing to mutual schedules.

  • Be accountable by sharing personal health goals and asking for support.

  • Enroll in classes, either in-person or online, to engage in group activities.

  • Join local sports teams for collective participation.

  • Include family in physical activities, fostering togetherness and exercise.

  • Engage in dancing at local venues or classes.

  • Encourage movement at work by joining wellness groups.

SHAPING YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH HABITS

• Children are influenced by various factors surrounding them, including family and media.

• Strategies for instilling healthy habits in kids include:

  • Act as a role model by choosing nutritious foods and engaging in active pastimes together.

  • Make healthy options accessible by keeping nutritious food and equipment handy.

  • Focus on fostering enjoyment in healthy choices rather than imposing rules alone.

  • Limit screen time to encourage physical activity.

  • Ensure schools and caregivers provide healthful food and engaging activities.

  • Make gradual changes to health behaviors rather than overwhelming shifts.

BONDING WITH YOUR KIDS

• Building strong emotional connections with children enhances their self-management and confidence skills.

• To foster healthy relationships with children, parents should:

  • Acknowledge positive behavior with specific praise.

  • Give children responsibilities at home to develop their skills; provide recognition afterward.

  • Communicate using kind language, tone, and gestures.

  • Dedicate time daily for positive interactions with children.

  • Collaborate on problem-solving to cultivate communication skills.

  • Establish personal rules regarding mobile devices and distractions.

  • Engage in discussions about children's concerns and aspirations.

  • Participate in activities that interest the child, showing support and involvement.

BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

• Strong and healthy relationships are essential for holistic well-being throughout life.

• To foster healthy relationships:

  • Share feelings honestly to promote openness and connection.

  • Clearly express your needs to others for mutual understanding.

  • Practice active listening with care and empathy, avoiding judgments.

  • Approach disagreements with respect; focus on resolution without personal attacks.

  • Avoid critical, angry, or violent behaviors to maintain harmony.

  • Ensure mutual respect and honesty in all interactions.

  • Practice compromise to ensure all parties' needs are met.

  • Protect oneself from harmful relationships; set clear boundaries and know your limits. Saying "no" is important.

  • Understand the differences between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationship dynamics by referring to resources like www.thehotline.org/healthy-relationships/relationship-spectrum.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• For further information on wellness topics, visit www.nih.gov/wellnesstoolkits.