Resources for Wellness for IL Frontline Staff: Social Connection

Here are the resources to support staff with stress reduction and self-care practices during these challenging times.

Please feel free to disseminate widely and keep an eye out for future emails.

We have been sharing these through our Wellness for IL Frontline Staff Facebook group monthly since May, but realized that many folks are not on social media so attached are the previous toolkits we have provided there.

SOCIAL CONNECTION TOOLKIT

Nature and Health Toolkit

Boundaries Toolkit

Emotional Intelligence Toolkit

Lifestyle Toolkit

Play and Wellness toolkit

Relaxation Response Toolkit

Self-Compassion Toolkit

Social Connection Toolkit

Social Engagement and Support

"But over and over, over these 75 years, our study has shown that the people who fared the best were the people who leaned into relationships, with family, with friends, with community."

-Dr. Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development

Strong social connections have been associated with

  • 50% increased chance of longevity,
  • A stronger immune system,
  • Faster recovery from disease,
  • Lower levels of depression and anxiety,
  • Higher self-esteem,
  • Greater empathy toward others
  • Increased trust and cooperation, and
  • A positive feedback loop of social, emotional, and physical well-being.

The benefits of social engagement are an outcome of having an internal feeling of connection.

This can be nurtured by

  • Giving, sharing, supporting, and doing acts of kindness for others;
  • Practicing self-care-if you are happy within, you are more likely to feel connected and reach out to others; and
  • Asking for help-others are willing to help but assume we do not need any when we do not ask.

Try it!

  • Have a conversation with family members and friends-face to face, if possible-without electronic distractions. Share your genuine thoughts and feelings and be a good listener.
  • Plan a shared fun activity with family or friends, such as a lunch date or bike ride.
  • Join a group focused on a favorite hobby, such as reading, hiking, painting, or wood carving.
  • Volunteer at a school, library, hospital, or place of worship.

Over 80 years, Harvard study has been showing how to live a healthy and happy life - Harvard Gazette