Social Nutrition

There is more to health and wellbeing than food and exercise.

Studies have shown that one of the most important factors in health and longevity, is proper social nutrition. We are social creatures and we tend to need a certain amount of both deeper and shallow converations or exchanges, most days. We need close ties, people we feel we can share our deeper thoughts and feelings with, and we need a sense of broader community, even if it is simple exchanges with shopkeepers or people we see less often or while out and about. 

We also need alone time to reflect and recharge. 

Jeffrey Hall is a professor of communication studies, and he likens human social networks and needs, to nutrition. He coined the phrase social nutrition- I like it, because it really is a need, the same as food. In these times of on and off lockdowns, especially for people living alone, getting enough social interaction for proper health and wellbeing, can be at times challenging. The internet can never be a complete solution to our need for human contact. 

I know I have a tendency to getting a bit isolated, and yet I am happily married so I have a large part of my social needs met just because I live with my mate. We all have unique needs and living situations and its worth paying some attention to whether we are getting enough balance and exploring ways to find balance. I dont think we were meant to be living in these separate houses, not knowing our neighbours, especially bringing up children like this. But it is what it is. 
Some of us need more than others. Are your social needs being met? Are you getting enough social nutrition? Do you have a balanced social diet? Are you content when alone, and also getting enough people contact?

If not, is there one thing you can do about it today?