Humans are social beings by nature; we crave connections and meaningful connections with others. A healthy relationship with others is an essential part of a person's well-being. Social well-being means nurturing yourself and also with others. It is about the social skills for building healthy and supportive relationships. It's about making a real bond - giving and receiving social support.
No one is an island in itself
Research suggests that people who are alone and isolated are more prone to chronic illness. A positive social network can encourage and support a person to be the best person you can be. It makes you emotionally resilient and improves your self-confidence.
A positive social life and strong social networks also have health benefits, such as:
- Helps you live a longer life
- Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and lowers blood pressure
- Strengthens the immune system to fight infectious diseases
- Increases happiness and reduces stress and anxiety
The fact that some people are better social communicators has led others to believe that they have no chance to improve their skills. This is a misconception because like many other skills, social skills can really be learned and improved.
Below are some tips for developing your social skills to help you begin your journey to social well-being.
First, use your ears, not your mouth
Listen. Many of us think that communication is about talking. We interrupt, advise and criticize someone without thinking about what he / she said. In this era where fast communication is widespread, it seems that the ability to listen is now becoming uncommon as everyone seems to be in such a hurry to say what they are doing.
People make themselves more worry about what they're going to say next then just keep their ears open. Good communication requires both good listening and talking.
To be able to listen carefully, we must first pay attention. Be interested in that person and ask open questions. Stop chatting and start really listening. After all, people prefer good listeners to good talkers.
Use silence. People are often afraid of this. Many of us become uncomfortable and self-conscious when it is quiet at the table. We always believe that silence kills the conversation. But there's a difference between being quiet all the time and knowing when to shut up. Silence allows the speaker to reflect on his or her own feelings and move on at his or her own pace.
It's not about you, it's about them
To be interesting, you have to be interested in the other person. Humans are by nature vain; we prefer to experience a sense of importance ourselves. People may not be as interested in you as you might like to think. If we just try to impress people, we will never have many real friends.
Instead, focus on the other person and encourage them to talk about themselves. Make them feel good by giving them attention, remembering their names, and being genuinely interested in them. Shift the focus from yourself to the other person and you won't feel like you are under pressure to 'put on a show'. By doing this, you make it easier for yourself to open up your thoughts and ideas to someone more.
Spread the happiness
Happiness is contagious. Everyone in the world is looking for luck and there is a certain way to get it, and that is by controlling your thoughts. Happiness does not come from external forces; it comes from internal circumstances. Instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive outcomes of a problem.
Researchers followed more than 4,700 people for 20 years and found that people who are happy can transfer their happiness to someone. People respond more to speakers who spread happiness, and a smile can make you more likable and charming. This is how people come to you instead of you coming to them.
Happy people focus on what they have. Unhappy people focus on what's missing. - Buddha
The thoughts you keep in your head determine how you feel. It's not about what you have or where you are now; it is your approach and dealings with it.
Have a good sense of humor
A good sense of humor always keeps everyone in a good mood. In addition, they will always try to find ways to talk to you, if you are the type of person who likes to interact. Whether it is about making a boring party lively or being interested in the conversation partner. Having a great personality with a pinch of good humor is one of the best traits you can build.
Be nice
Be the kind of person you want to meet yourself. Behavior is an essential part of our relationships with others. Our character determines our actions and interactions, and how we treat other people. People unconsciously value the rule of reciprocity.
If you treat someone well, he / she will want to treat you the same way. Our community thrives by showing support and empathy to other people. By being selfless and considerate, we develop strong bonds that build on trust.
Be sincere and give honest appreciation. Show respect for other people's opinions and try to see things from other people's point of view.
The art of persuasion
The best communicator knows how to use body language and words to converse. In fact, body language is more than 90 percent of what you communicate. Your thoughts and feelings are reflected in your body language, such as your mannerisms, hand gestures, eyes and posture.
Use the power of language to convince someone. Avoid adjectives, such as "whole." Instead of saying "very smart", say "brilliant" or replace "very beautiful" with "beautiful". Body language, such as eye contact, makes you seem more interested, and paying attention to someone makes you more serious and likable.
Forget shyness and enjoy your social skills by saying hello and smiling at a stranger. You can also start nurturing our relationships by joining a volunteer group, an art club, or by calling an old friend you've unfortunately lost touch with. Start making new friends while maintaining your old relationships.
Sources include Audible (link), ConnectedWomen (link), Indeed (link), TimesofIndia (link)
