Pause and ask yourself if you have people who know you for who you are, with whom you can be authentic, and who would show up in a crisis. If the answer to any is ‘I’m not sure,’ it indicates an area needing more attention to build social well-being.
Commit 10-15 minutes each day to reach out to someone you care about (ideally outside your immediate household) just to check on them. This systematic effort will make you feel more connected over time.
Maximize the quality of your social interactions by giving people your full, undivided attention and putting away technology during conversations or meals. This makes the time you spend with others truly count.
Regularly find one small way to help someone each day, whether through formal volunteering or simple acts of kindness like a kind word or greeting. This fosters connection, improves your health, and reminds you of your valuable contributions.
Actively seek opportunities to initiate conversations, express interest, or ask someone to spend time with you. This builds your ‘social muscle,’ leading to more fulfilling relationships despite initial discomfort.
Examine your own behavior to identify how you respond to stress or pain (e.g., turning to unhealthy habits like sugar consumption). This self-awareness is crucial for understanding the deeper ‘why’ behind your choices.
Proactively build a ’toolbox’ of positive ways to manage stress and pain, such as calling a friend, exercising, or consuming inspiring content. This helps you choose beneficial actions instead of unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Take intentional breaks from social media, starting with one to two weeks, and observe how you feel. Many report increased calmness, presence, improved self-esteem, and a deeper appreciation for real-life interactions.
If you decide to take a social media break, make a pact with a friend or partner to hold each other accountable. This support can help you resist the temptation to return to platforms during the initial discomfort.
Recognize that the modern environment doesn’t naturally foster social skills; proactively encourage children to take social risks and practice in-person interactions, even if it’s uncomfortable. This builds essential communication abilities.
For shy children, design safe, structured activities like giving them simple questions to ask strangers in a friendly public setting, while providing close parental support. This helps them gradually build comfort with interaction.
Band together with other parents to discuss and collectively set boundaries around children’s social media use. This shared approach provides mutual support and makes it easier to navigate peer pressure.
Introduce structured activities in the workplace, such as a ‘Humans of OSG’ exercise where colleagues interview each other about their lives for 10 minutes. This fosters deeper understanding and connection among team members.
Actively participate in and support local community organizations like volunteer groups, sports leagues, or faith organizations. These spaces are crucial for gathering, fostering connection, and combating societal isolation.
Close your eyes, place a hand over your heart, and for 30 seconds, reflect on people who have loved and supported you throughout your life. This practice helps you feel peace, happiness, and remember your inherent worthiness of love.