Social Wellness Month: Small Moments of Connection

This July is Social Wellness Month, and it's a great opportunity for us to acknowledge the value of our social relationships and the daily practices that give us a sense of belonging within our community.

At Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH), we know that social wellness is not always about big actions or nonstop motion, but it's more about the quiet, purposeful moments in our lives that connect us to others and to our community.

Social wellness flourishes not just in group activities or active discussions, but in quiet, thoughtful moments. For example, sitting in comfortable silence with a friend, sending a quick check-in text to someone you care about, or waving hello to a neighbor when you drive by or exchanging a smile at the supermarket are subtle ways connection is cultivated in our everyday lives.

Every small action adds up to break down barriers and remind us that we are noticed, we matter, and we are not alone… Small moments build big bridges.

You don’t have to revolutionize your schedule to improve social wellness, rather, just work on incorporating tiny moments of connection into your day-to-day life:

1. Give a compliment to a family member or coworker.

2. Ask someone to go for coffee or a walk, even for 10 minutes.

3. Keep significant dates in mind and send a brief "thinking of you" message on birthdays or anniversaries.

4. Provide a helping hand to another person who may need it, such as taking in a neighbor's trash can or helping someone at the grocery store.

5. Join a community group or attend a fun local event at your own pace.

6. You can also take a moment to look back each day and ask yourself: What was one social moment I had today? Building social wellness is not just about what you do, but also about how you notice and appreciate the connection in your life. Some suggestions:

7. Practice active listening and pay attention to actually hearing others, not just waiting to respond.

8. Express gratitude for the people who support you.

9. Respect boundaries and know when to give someone space, or when you need it.

10. Call loved ones when you need support; connection is a two-way street.

If you're looking for additional ways to connect, or need help building your social wellness, CCMH is here to support you. This Social Wellness Month, celebrate the power of small moments with us. A simple wave, a quick text, or a moment of shared silence may be the bridge someone needs, perhaps even the bridge you yourself need!