In the intricate tapestry of human existence, one thread stands out as vital for our holistic wellbeing: social connection. From the simplest gestures like exchanging smiles in the street or petting a furry friend to more significant events such as family gatherings or engaging in community activities, positive interactions are the lifeblood of our emotional and mental health.
Every smile shared, every conversation had, and every bond formed contributes to our sense of belonging and purpose. These connections not only offer joy and companionship but also play a crucial role in reducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Whether it’s the warmth of a hug, the laughter shared with loved ones, or the support received from a community, these experiences enrich our lives in profound ways.
Feeling part of something bigger than us.
Family gatherings, hobby groups, volunteering in the community, or simply engaging in conversations with strangers can spark new friendships. Broadening our perspectives, and infusing our days with meaning. These interactions serve as reminders that we are part of something larger, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of unity.
But that doesn’t mean we all find it easy
Sometimes it feels daunting to even think about spending time with others. We may long to be invited out and when the invite comes we readily accept. But as the event gets nearer we might find ourselves thinking of all the things that might go wrong and begin desperately searching for reasons not to go. We feel uncomfortable sensations in our body, the churning stomach, a wave of nausea, and so, we send our message of apology and stay home instead.
We immediately feel a sense of relief, our anxious feeling subside and the more often we do it, the more our brain learns this new way of coping. Compelling us to repeat that same pattern of staying home instead. The initial sense of relief soon wears off and we feel regret, disappointment and quite often, we feel bad about ourselves, deciding there’s clearly something wrong with us.
“I want to go out with my friends and enjoy myself, but something keeps holding me back!”
According to the Office for National Statistics repot of Personal Wellbeing in the UK: April 2022 to March 2023:
- Average rate of personal wellbeing in the UK have declined across all measures in the year ending March 2023.
- 26.6% of women and 20.0% of men reported experiencing high levels of anxiety. That’s 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men.
(https://www.ons.gov.uk/)
What really is anxiety and where does it come from?
Anxiety is quite simply worry. It’s worrying, negative future predictions which often leads to overthinking and planning for every possible negative eventuality. Sometimes this worry will be due to something negative that has happened in the past. The cocern being that it might happen again. And often this worry will be purely imagined, all based on imaginary disastrous possibilities. Because we don’t NEED to have had something bad happen to us for us to feel anxious. Our brain doesn’t respond to what’s happening in our environment. It responds to our thoughts about what’s happening!
So we can create anxiety purely through using our thoughts in a negative way.
Our brains do not know the difference between imagination and reality!
As feelings of anxiety rise, our feelings of self worth, confidence and motivation begin to decline. We can begin to feel inadequate and incapable. We can doubt ourselves, our worth and withdraw from our social circles.
Imagine a life where negative patterns no longer hold you back, where you can step out of your shell and embrace the world with open arms.
I’m here to guide you on this transformative journey. Together, we can unravel the barriers that keep you isolated and empower you to cultivate meaningful connections, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in life’s vibrant tapestry.
If you are ready to break free from the chains of isolation, to let go of self-imposed limitations, and to embrace a life filled with positive interactions and lasting friendships, I invite you to take the first step. Book a discovery call with me, and let’s embark on a path towards a more connected, fulfilling life. Together, we can unlock your true potential and pave the way for a future brimming with joy, love, and enriching relationships.
Let’s work together to transform your world. Book your discovery call today and take the leap towards a life where social connection is not just a need but a source of boundless joy and growth.
Image thanks and credit to https://unsplash.com/@priscilladupreez
