Connectivity

What is connection and why is it of benefit?

Work can be all-consuming at times for us all. Professionals often give so much of themselves that they lose sight of what is important to them too.

We believe that feeling connected is a key component of emotional health and wellbeing.

How do I connect when I am so busy?

It is important to know that despite our busy day to day lives, that taking time to connect spiritually, socially, or with nature provides huge benefit to our overall wellbeing. This is not just physically, but also for our mental and emotional health.

Taking time for you will place you in a stronger position to give yourself and your time to others.

The three areas of connectivity

Spirituality

Spirituality is one aspect of connection that is often narrowly interpreted as being about religion, although religion is only one element.

Spirituality is about what is important to you, your values and beliefs and what gives you a sense of meaning in life.

We rarely spend time considering what our values and beliefs really are and what they mean to us as individuals. In general terms, spirituality:

  • is something everyone can experience
  • helps us to find purpose and meaning in the things we value
  • can bring us both hope and healing in times of suffering and loss
  • encourages us to find the best relationship with ourselves, others and what lies beyond
  • becomes more important in times of emotional stress, physical and mental illness, loss, bereavement and the approach of death
  • views life as a journey, where good and bad experiences can help you to learn, develop and grow.

2. People – social connection

Social connection is the sense of belonging and experience of feeling close to those around us. It is important that you can:

  • come together and connect with others
  • build good relationships
  • feel you belong to a team, group or community
  • can develop and identify a sense of purpose.

The importance of social connectedness in supporting mental health and wellbeing is well established. The positives of social connection include:

  • Living longer
  • Improved immunity
  • Greater self-esteem
  • Lower rates of anxiety and depression.

It is well worth reaching out and connecting in whatever way feels right for you.

Social connectedness – the five dimensions

You may look for or have different perspectives on what social connectedness is or what you may gain from this experiential concept.

There are five dimensions by themes that can describe the experience of social connectedness as being:

  • closeness
  • identity and common bond
  • valued relationships
  • involvement
  • feeling cared for and accepted.

3. Nature

Engaging with the natural world around us provides significant benefits for our mental health and wellbeing. This isn’t always easy – not everyone has access to wide open green spaces.

It doesn’t matter where you are, you could be in a built up urban area, you can still benefit from walking outside, looking at the sky, listening to birdsong and taking time to notice what’s around you. This can support you to lower feelings of anger, fatigue and sadness in as little as five minutes – supporting you to improve your mood and levels of self-esteem.

Benefits of spending time in nature

Spending time outdoors, whether doing physical exercise or simply relaxing in nature, has many positive benefits:

  • improves emotional wellbeing and mood
  • increases life satisfaction
  • reduces the risk of mental health problems such as depression.

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RotherHive is developed by Rotherham Place Partnership

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