Social health is an often overlooked aspect of total health and wellness. How we relate to our outside world has a strong impact on our emotional and mental health. Humans are not designed to be isolated from other fellow human for long periods of time. Even the most introverted personality still has a need for companionship and positive social interactions. On occasion, usually during times of spiritual enlightenment or seasons of renewal, a time of being alone can actually be a positive experience, but please note that being lonely and being alone are two totally separate things. Being alone can lead to deep introspection which is often needed for spiritual growth and maturity, and thus linking to our spiritual health. Understanding this balance can help to make our social connections even that much richer. Positive social health also includes how we interact with strangers, including people that we interact with in online spaces.
| A healthy friends group | Understanding the power of time alone |
| Strong, close relationships with others that are considered good friends | Not being afraid to be alone at times |
| Not feeling the need to berate others online | Having a genuine care for mankind |
| Being able to build others up, to be a good supporter | Laughing with people |
| Able to carry on a conversation with a stranger | Can converse with people who think differently than you |
| Feeling isolated | Very little or no positive interactions with others |
| Feeling lonely | Angry and intolerant towards people who don’t think like you |
| Feeling afraid to be around people you don’t know | Afraid to be alone |
| Continually stressed in situations that involve people | Inability to sustain friendships |
| Inability to have empathy towards others | Inability to forgive |
| Laugh with strangers | Realize that everyone is imperfect and finding their own way in life |
| Ask questions and have a sense of curiosity about people | Give up gossiping |
| Look for common bonds or values | Be a good listener |
| Seek out groups that have common interests | See the world from some else’s perspective |
| Spend time out with your dog at parks | Give a compliment |