Social Wellness

By Greg Madden

July was Social Wellness Awareness Month. Which got me thinking and you might also ask, as I did, what is Social Wellness, and how does it impact our Catskills? New experiences beget new terms, so we invite you to read on, please!!

Without question, the last few years have been incredibly challenging and complicated by government directives and lockdowns and many types of restrictions of a personal nature. Mandates for all to wear this and stand here were limiting to our social expression and personal freedoms and they separated us from the herd, more importantly, from our own herd.

To many of us, it doesn’t seem so difficult to experience social wellness, but those who became entrenched deeply in worry and fear during this virus outbreak had a very difficult go of it, so why not reach out to them and include them in ways to have them re-enter society gently with caring, loving support.

Many folks of all ages found that their lives and socialization had been placed on pause and it is now time to get together and experience their social wellness. Our corner of paradise here in the mountains is the perfect location for them to join together for fun and increase their formula for social wellness success right away.

Collectively, we have just experienced an overwhelming case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Having a shared experience and having anyone to discuss these challenging times with are of the utmost importance. Social wellness promotes social support networks, which play a crucial role in providing emotional support, reducing stress, and improving overall mental well-being.

Recently, our healthcare and governmental leaders have flashed the all clear sign that the pandemic is over and visitors of all ages are flocking to and filling up our fantastic rentals, hotels and airbnb’s. They are looking for healthy venues to gather again socially and our Catskills offer them plenty of opportunity to stretch out and enjoy human companionship again.

“Human beings are social creatures by nature,” said Dr. John T. Cacioppo, Psychologist, The University of Chicago. “Our wellbeing is intricately tied to the quality of our social connections. Research consistently shows that individuals with strong social networks experience better physical and mental health outcomes, including reduced stress levels, increased happiness, and improved overall well-being.”

So, how is your social wellness quotient and how do we adjust it and just exactly what is it? Newsflash: there is no SWQ (social wellness quotient), at least not yet. Perhaps soon.

There is however a “WQ” or Wellness Quotient that measures nutrition, stress, environment, activity and adequate rest. There could be other factors like proper nutrition and hydration and belonging which brings us back to social wellness that needs a healthy formula leading to a quotient so you can rate how you are doing, but we digress.

This thing called “social wellness” is crucial for individuals to lead full and exciting lives and experience a sense of belonging and connectedness. That being said, many find solace in solitude from time to time. It refers to your state of well-being in relation to your interactions and relationships with others. It involves maintaining healthy and satisfying relationships, having a dependable and trustworthy support system, and actively participating in and contributing to one’s community. #BelongingMatters

Adjusting now into the post-COVID-19 pandemic period, social wellness has become increasingly important for so many of us for several reasons. The loners amongst us found this time period to be easier for them as they didn’t feel coerced to engage with others on a regular basis, while many found these times to be beyond challenging.

The pandemic forced us to physically distance ourselves, leading to mandated isolation and a reduction in social skills. Now, as restrictions ease and our focus returns to more interactive experiences, it allows individuals to rebuild and strengthen their connections with friends, family, and their community. This historic timeout in our lives has taken a toll on our collective mental and emotional health, with immediate increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Many individuals faced significant disruptions and challenges during the pandemic, such as job losses, financial strain, and major changes in their daily routines. Building networks for your social wellness helps foster resilience by providing a support system to navigate through difficulties and adapt to new circumstances. The pandemic illuminated many topics and emphasized the importance of human connection and a sense of belonging.

“The quality and quantity of our social connections have a profound influence on our health and longevity,” states Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Psychologist from Brigham Young University. “Studies consistently show that individuals with strong social ties have a lower risk of premature death, comparable to wellestablished risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. Social wellness is a powerful predictor of overall health.”

Lately, there is a vast expansion, or explosion even, to return boomerang style to this form of sociability, reminiscent of the gold rush of years past. This time however, the focused rush and its value is more personal than monetary, as the end game payoff is internal satisfaction of spirit, mind and body.

Strengthening and prioritizing social wellness enables individuals to feel included, valued, and part of a community, which enhances overall well-being and helps combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Social wellness is essential for the collective recovery of societies post-pandemic. It encourages people to come together, support one another, and work towards building stronger communities that are more resilient, compassionate, and inclusive.

The task ahead is to reintroduce ourselves personally and professionally to others, build our own mental health support network, adapt to our changing environment and relocate our sense of belonging and recover from the shared trauma we all experienced. As adults, we are coping at best, but what of the children. This is a very important time to include the kids now as they are still learning their own social skills and need guidance. So get out and stretch your limbs and be free to move about the Catskills

For decades, the Catskill Mountains have been a playground for thousands each year, looking to seek a higher form of wellness and a balance to their life, whether they are from the northeast or beyond our horizons. This year, the Region is swelling with those choosing to leave behind the isolation of the pandemic and reconnecting to their social wellness by the carloads.

Seemingly the recreation we offer residents and visitors throughout the calendar year here in the mountains, lakes and streams are the perfect settings for gatherings and reconnecting our human spirits with each other. So go for a swim, take a bike ride, hike our magnificent peaks, jump on a chairlift and enjoy breathtaking views or prepare the skis and snowboards for next season. Get your group and head out for a meal or an ice cream cone before or after shopping our unique shops presented throughout the region.

Dr. Emma Seppälä, Stanford University states, “Social connection is not only essential for our individual well-being but also crucial for creating thriving communities. Research shows that when individuals have strong social ties and actively participate in their communities, they experience a greater sense of purpose, increased happiness, and overall life satisfaction.”

Recreating in our Catskills is the perfect wellness prescription according to Ed Ullmann, the Chief Pharmacist at Wellness Rx Pharmacy in Tannersville and the visionary healthcare professional who created Phoenicia’s Pharmacy for the Public Good, America’s first nonprofit community pharmacy, He prescribes the following: “Corral your friends or family, secure lodging or campsites for your group, select mutually enjoyable activities that allow participation of many and relax and enjoy the experience.”

I’m biased here, but remember, it’s always better in the Catskills and we’ve already had social wellness approval here for decades. Reach out to others and enjoy our region !!

Greg Madden is the Development Manager at Wellness Rx Pharmacy where he also practices ancient healing modalities like Tui-Na Medical Massage and BioPhoton Light Therapy. More at IlluminatingWellness.care.