Something to know:
“People are by nature social creatures. Social connections are important for our survival. Our relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and community members can have a major impact on our health and well-being.” - CDC 2023
Something to remember:
Social interaction is like a muscle; it needs exercise, but just as with physical muscles, you must ease into it gradually. You wouldn’t jump from zero to deadlifting 500 pounds overnight. Similarly, don't expect to go from avoiding strangers entirely to striking up deep conversations with random people at a coffee shop.
So, what does easing into social interaction entail?
Just like lifting small weights, start with achievable goals: hold the door for someone, compliment someone's shoes, or simply say hi (our personal favorite). Then, work your way up: join a new social group (like a run club, book club, or food club – if they exist), or ask a coworker or friend out to lunch… YES, you can practice social interaction with people you already know!
Something to share:
“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t met yet.” - William Butler Yeats
Share these 3 interesting facts with your friends…
- Competitive art used to be an Olympic sport - WHATTTTT
- Finland has more saunas than cars
- Ketchup was once sold as a medicine
Something to do:
Like we said… START SMALL!
Interaction Challenge:
Go to McDonald’s when it is really busy and hold the door for someone :)