According to a report from the U.S. Surgeon General, approximately half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness.
Service members, their families, and Veterans all understand how life events like relocations, deployments, and separations can uproot you from your local community.
Add busy schedules and more people using delivery services and remote entertainment, and we have become more isolated from those around us.
Maybe you’re a military family new to an area and aren’t sure how to meet anyone. Maybe you’re a Veteran with a health issue that has kept you from getting out. Or maybe you’ve lived somewhere for years but, between the demands of family and work life, you feel like you don’t have time for making connections in your community.
No matter what’s been stopping you, it’s important to understand that social connections can have a positive effect on your health and well-being.
The Power of Social Connections
According to a report from the U.S. Surgeon General, approximately half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness. Studies show we are less connected to our neighbors and places of worship, schools, and workplaces than ever. The military lifestyle may make this worse, with families feeling intense loneliness during a deployment, or Service members feeling like they’ve lost a built-in community after separating.
This loneliness can affect your health. Loneliness is associated with a greater risk for:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dementia
- Stroke
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Premature death
- Susceptibility to viruses and respiratory illnesses
Strong social connections can provide a lot of benefits, including:
- Reduced stress
- Improved health outcomes
- Stronger support system during times of emergency or disaster
Tips for Connecting With Your Neighbors
Building social connections with your neighbors and local community will look different for everyone. Some people live in neighborhoods where outdoor space can help begin the process, while others live in more remote areas. Some may have kids or pets that can help break the ice, while others may live alone and find connecting intimidating. Take a look at these tips and find ways to make them work for you:
- Use technology. Create or join a text thread or a social media page for your neighborhood. Plan a yard sale, get recommendations for a handyman, report safety concerns, post opportunities to get together, connect during emergencies, and more. If you’re socially anxious or struggle with mobility, technology can be a great way to start building community. However, be aware of its limitations. Face-to-face social interactions are an important part of our well-being.
- Ask for help. Many of us value independence and our ability to do things on our own, but it’s OK to ask for help. Asking to borrow an egg or a lawn tool can start a more meaningful connection. In addition, offer your help when you can. Make a meal for someone who may need it or collect mail if someone is away.
- Start something. Start a neighborhood book club that meets once a month or a walking club that meets up for weekly walks. Try hosting a potluck or barbeque. If someone has a hobby they want to share – like knitting or mountain biking, plan an evening around it. You can use the neighborhood social media page or a text thread to get organized.
- Use small moments. Not everything has to be a neighborhood block party or a big event. Small moments, like inviting a neighbor for a cup of coffee or to join you on your evening walk, can be an easier way to begin making connections.
- Be friendly. Many of us have gotten into the habit of avoiding people and keeping to ourselves. We may feel like we don’t have time for small talk or that we have nothing in common with our neighbors. But try speaking to your neighbor when you collect the mail or giving a smile or wave from the porch. These friendly gestures can be the first step in letting people know you’re approachable.
- Spend time in areas where you can connect. It’s hard to make connections if you’re inside all day. Instead, move to areas where connection is easier. Play with your dog in the front yard instead of the back or put chairs in the driveway where you can chat when people walk by. If this isn’t a reality for your space, try spending time in your local park or volunteering for a local organization where you can interact with others.
- Commit. Just like other things you do for your health, like exercising, building social connections takes effort. Americans spend an average of six hours a day on digital media, leaving less time to interact with others. Even when we are with others, we are often distracted. Try to be fully present when you’re with others, whether it’s at your own dinner table, during a neighborhood event, or walking to and from your house.
Resources
- Check out your local community for opportunities to get involved. You may find an organization where you can volunteer, a park where you can join some neighbors playing a game, and more.
- Access programs designed for military members and their families.
- Each military branch offers a program for single Service members. Typically, these programs offer recreational activities, day trips, and opportunities to connect with your local community.
- Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs offer opportunities for connection, including trips, special events, fitness and sports, and other activities.
- Military sponsors can help you get involved in your community as you settle into a new location.
- Military OneSource consultants can connect you with information about activities, groups, and other social organizations in your area.
- Blue Star Families connects military families with their neighbors to create healthy, supportive communities. Join their digital community, attend local in-person events with other military families, and access the information and resources you need to build important connections in your local area.
Make it a goal to move beyond “hello” and find ways to connect with your neighbors today!