How Do I Improve My Social Fitness (and Why Should I)?

The Study:

Harvard University recently shared findings from one of the longest-running studies on happiness – one that has been in the works for a whopping 85 years. In it, they followed 724 people from childhood in 1938 through to older age to look for the keys to happiness. 

The Findings:

The study’s most consistent finding was that, no matter a person’s socio-economic bracket, no matter their physical health concerns, no matter their IQ or genetic makeup, a consistent key to happiness was the quality of their relationships (friendships, social circles, partners, and families).  

How Can This Help?

If we learned from the Harvard study that close and quality relationships are an essential ingredient for happiness, then we can choose to put time into our relationships, either nurturing the ones we have or building new ones if we’re feeling alone. As one of the study’s project directors, Dr. Waldinger, explained, “Personal connection creates mental and emotional stimulation, which are automatic mood boosters, while isolation is a mood buster.” .

Ways to Boost Social Fitness 

So how can we improve our social fitness? Just like physical fitness, a customized plan can leverage our existing strengths and fill in any gaps, and small steps are a great way to start. Here are a few ideas. What else can you come up with that works for you?  

• Find something you like to do. Join a group that does it so you can do it with others. 
• Volunteer for something you care about. 
• Talk to strangers.  
• Attend work socials. 
• Stretch out of your comfort zone.  
• Put time into strengthening communication skills in your current relationship(s). DBT is one type of therapy that focuses in part on interpersonal skills, for example, and we have great therapists on our team who can help in this area, both for couples and individuals.  

Call Us

Of course, you can always call us at OK Clinical and we’ll connect you with a counsellor who can help you explore these and other ideas and resources more fully. We’re always in your corner. 

Interested in learning more? Check out these resources on how to Social Fitness: 

• Link to the Harvard Study: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/10/85-year-harvard-study-found-the-secret-to-a-long-happy-and-successful-life.html 
• Link to a TedTalk on the Harvard Study when it was part way through in 2015: https://youtu.be/8KkKuTCFvzI  
• Couples Counselling: https://okclinical.com/couples-counselling/  
• If you are looking to connect further or receive support around depression, please get in touch with us at 250-718-9291 or email us at [email protected].

Written by: Anita Labelle, Practicum Student

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