Social support means having people in your life you can turn too. Who can provide you with a broader focus and help you maintain a positive self-esteem.
People with close connections are less anxious and depressed, and are physically healthier. Sharing your feelings with friends, family and loved ones has been shown to increase your immune response.
Map it out. You’ll have more people to turn to than you realise. It shows resilience to know when to reach out to others – and who is best to turn to.
Draw your network, with others depicted as squares. The more important they are to you, the larger the square they belong in.
Download our social support map.
Need to give your support network a boost?
Here are some ideas for building your social network:
- Carve out the time to nuture existing relationships.
- Pursue a hobby.
- Volunteer. Pick a cause to get invovlved with. You are bound to meet others with similiar interests.
- Join a fitness group.
- Ask a colleague to grab a coffee with you.
Having a social support network and knowing who to turn to matters. Not only will they help you through tough times, but they are cruial for your emotional and physical health.