{"categories":"Lifestyle,Stress management,Person Group Concept,Person Group Concept,Theme of Focus","keywords":"Stress management,Stress relief,Stress relief,Age Concept,Adult,19 to 44 younger,Age Concept,Adult,45 to 64 middle,Clinical Focus Value Set,Coping and support","abstract":"\u003cp\u003eSocial support networks provide many health benefits \u0026mdash; How to build, maintain these essential relationships.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Social support: Tap this tool to beat stress","body":"\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eA strong social support network can be critical to help you through the stress of tough times, whether you've had a bad day at work or a year filled with loss or chronic illness. And the lack of social support can lead to isolation and loneliness. Since supportive family, friends and co-workers are such an important part of your life, it's never too soon to cultivate these important relationships.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eWhat is a social support network?\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eA social support network is made up of friends, family and peers. Social support is different from a support group, which is generally a structured meeting run by a lay leader or mental health professional.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough both support groups and support networks can play an important role in times of stress, a social support network is something you can develop when you're not under stress. It provides the comfort of knowing that your friends are there for you if you need them.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou don't need to formalize your support network. A coffee break with a friend at work, a quick chat with a neighbor, a phone call to your sibling, a visit to a house of worship or volunteer work are all ways to develop and foster lasting relationships with others.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eRisks of isolation and benefits of social support\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eStudies have demonstrated that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a greater risk of poor mental health and poor cardiovascular health, as well as other health problems. Other studies have shown the benefit of a network of social support, including the following:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003eImproving the ability to cope with stressful situations\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eAlleviating the effects of emotional distress\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003ePromoting lifelong good mental health\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eEnhancing self-esteem\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eLowering cardiovascular risks, such as lowering blood pressure\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003ePromoting healthy lifestyle behaviors\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eEncouraging adherence to a treatment plan\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eCultivating your social support network\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you want to improve your mental health and your ability to combat stress, surround yourself with at least a few good friends and confidants. Here are some ideas for building your social network:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVolunteer.\u003c/strong\u003e Pick a cause that's important to you and get involved. You're sure to meet others who share similar interests and values.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoin a gym or fitness group.\u003c/strong\u003e Incorporating physical fitness into your day is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. You can make friends while you exercise. Look at gyms in your area or check a local community center.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTake a class.\u003c/strong\u003e A local college or community education course puts you in contact with others who share similar hobbies or pursuits.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLook online.\u003c/strong\u003e Social networking sites can help you stay connected with friends and family. Many good sites exist for people going through stressful times, such as chronic illness, loss of a loved one, a new baby, divorce and other life changes. Be sure to stick to reputable sites, and be cautious about arranging in-person meetings.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eGive and take: The foundation of social networks\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eA successful relationship is a two-way street that requires your active participation. Here are some suggestions for nurturing your relationships:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStay in touch.\u003c/strong\u003e Answering phone calls, returning emails and reciprocating invitations let people know you care.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't compete.\u003c/strong\u003e Be happy instead of jealous when your friends succeed.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBe a good listener.\u003c/strong\u003e Listen when your friends are speaking. Find out what's important to them.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't overdo it.\u003c/strong\u003e Be careful not to overwhelm friends and family with phone calls and emails. Save those high-demand times for when you really need them.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppreciate your friends and family.\u003c/strong\u003e Take time to say thank you and express how important they are to you.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGive back.\u003c/strong\u003e Be available for family and friends when they need support.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eThe bottom line\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eRemember that a goal of building your social support network is to reduce your stress level, not add to it. Watch for situations that seem to drain your energy. For example, avoid spending too much time with someone who is constantly negative and critical. Similarly, steer clear of people involved in unhealthy behaviors, such as alcohol or substance abuse.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTaking the time to build a social support network is a wise investment not only in your mental well-being but also in your physical health and longevity. Start making more friends or improving the relationships you already have. Whether you're the one getting the support or the one doling out the encouragement, you'll reap rewards.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e","doc_id":"ART-20044445","object_id":"76be041d-2ff4-4d0e-8cbb-34924d4faab9","updated_at":"2018-06-27","meta_keywords":"","benefit_summary":"\u003cp\u003eHaving close friends and family has far-reaching benefits for your health. Here's how to build and maintain these essential relationships.\u003c/p\u003e","sections":{"":"\u003cp\u003eA strong social support network can be critical to help you through the stress of tough times, whether you've had a bad day at work or a year filled with loss or chronic illness. And the lack of social support can lead to isolation and loneliness. Since supportive family, friends and co-workers are such an important part of your life, it's never too soon to cultivate these important relationships.\u003c/p\u003e","What is a social support network?":"\u003cp\u003eA social support network is made up of friends, family and peers. Social support is different from a support group, which is generally a structured meeting run by a lay leader or mental health professional.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough both support groups and support networks can play an important role in times of stress, a social support network is something you can develop when you're not under stress. It provides the comfort of knowing that your friends are there for you if you need them.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou don't need to formalize your support network. A coffee break with a friend at work, a quick chat with a neighbor, a phone call to your sibling, a visit to a house of worship or volunteer work are all ways to develop and foster lasting relationships with others.\u003c/p\u003e","Risks of isolation and benefits of social support":"\u003cp\u003eStudies have demonstrated that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a greater risk of poor mental health and poor cardiovascular health, as well as other health problems. Other studies have shown the benefit of a network of social support, including the following:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003eImproving the ability to cope with stressful situations\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eAlleviating the effects of emotional distress\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003ePromoting lifelong good mental health\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eEnhancing self-esteem\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eLowering cardiovascular risks, such as lowering blood pressure\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003ePromoting healthy lifestyle behaviors\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eEncouraging adherence to a treatment plan\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","Cultivating your social support network":"\u003cp\u003eIf you want to improve your mental health and your ability to combat stress, surround yourself with at least a few good friends and confidants. Here are some ideas for building your social network:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVolunteer.\u003c/strong\u003e Pick a cause that's important to you and get involved. You're sure to meet others who share similar interests and values.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoin a gym or fitness group.\u003c/strong\u003e Incorporating physical fitness into your day is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. You can make friends while you exercise. Look at gyms in your area or check a local community center.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTake a class.\u003c/strong\u003e A local college or community education course puts you in contact with others who share similar hobbies or pursuits.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLook online.\u003c/strong\u003e Social networking sites can help you stay connected with friends and family. Many good sites exist for people going through stressful times, such as chronic illness, loss of a loved one, a new baby, divorce and other life changes. Be sure to stick to reputable sites, and be cautious about arranging in-person meetings.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","Give and take: The foundation of social networks":"\u003cp\u003eA successful relationship is a two-way street that requires your active participation. Here are some suggestions for nurturing your relationships:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStay in touch.\u003c/strong\u003e Answering phone calls, returning emails and reciprocating invitations let people know you care.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't compete.\u003c/strong\u003e Be happy instead of jealous when your friends succeed.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBe a good listener.\u003c/strong\u003e Listen when your friends are speaking. Find out what's important to them.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't overdo it.\u003c/strong\u003e Be careful not to overwhelm friends and family with phone calls and emails. Save those high-demand times for when you really need them.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppreciate your friends and family.\u003c/strong\u003e Take time to say thank you and express how important they are to you.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGive back.\u003c/strong\u003e Be available for family and friends when they need support.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","The bottom line":"\u003cp\u003eRemember that a goal of building your social support network is to reduce your stress level, not add to it. Watch for situations that seem to drain your energy. For example, avoid spending too much time with someone who is constantly negative and critical. Similarly, steer clear of people involved in unhealthy behaviors, such as alcohol or substance abuse.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTaking the time to build a social support network is a wise investment not only in your mental well-being but also in your physical health and longevity. Start making more friends or improving the relationships you already have. Whether you're the one getting the support or the one doling out the encouragement, you'll reap rewards.\u003c/p\u003e"},"has_flash":false,"flash_content_url":null,"flash_content_height":null,"flash_content_width":null}