Social Wellness Recreation Nova Scotia Provincial Conference Break out Session - November 19, 2010

Wellness Wellness is not a neutral state; it is an ongoing active state to improve your life – intentionally shifting the shape of your life You are constantly responding to the world around you every day – what if you did that with more conscious choice? Wellness dimensions: physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual

Circles of Influence and Concern

Focus on Social Wellness Social wellness is important to creating and maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle When you focus on your social wellness you not only feel better, you want to share that feeling with everyone you meet What you focus on grows

Benefits of Social Wellness Socially well people: Are healthier Do better under stress Have higher levels of IgA, DHEA and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) Better moods and higher self-esteem

Social Wellness Two aspects: Being aware of, participating in and feeling connected to your community Developing healthy relationships with those around you

Social Wellness - Community Contributing to your physical environment to the common welfare of your community Interdependence with others and with nature Greater awareness of your impact on your environment and those around you

Social Wellness - Relationships Caring, healthy relationships in your life Developing and building close friendships and intimacy Practicing empathy and effective listening Caring for others and the common good Allowing others to care for you

Social Wellness Self Awareness Read each statement carefully Rate each statement: o 2 = Almost Always o 1 = Sometimes/Occasionally o 0 = Very Seldom Total your score: o pts – Excellent strength o 9-14 pts – Room for improvement o 0-8 pts – Needs a lot of work

Social Wellness Self Awareness 1. I have a supportive network of close friends, family and social contacts. 2. I am interested in, and accepting of others, including those from different backgrounds than my own. 3. I support and help with family, neighborhood, and/or work social gatherings. 4. I am able to balance my own needs with the needs of others. 5. I am aware of and able to set and respect my own and others’ boundaries.

Social Wellness Self Awareness 6. I am a compassionate person and try to help others when I can. 7. I am willing to seek help from others. 8. I am able to resolve conflicts in all areas of my life. 9. I contribute time and/or money to social and community projects. 10. I am committed to a lifetime of volunteerism.

Exercise – A Practice in Social Wellness Find a partner One person will speak for 7 minutes, the other will ask questions and listen When all the questions are asked, the listener will offer one or two reflections back to their partner Switch roles and repeat for 7 minutes

Exercise – A Practice in Social Wellness Choose a statement to reflect on – one that gets a reaction from you What is it about this statement that most has your attention and why? How could you see yourself growing this aspect of who you are? What new insight or awareness have you gained about this aspect in your life? (When you’ve responded to all the questions, your partner can provide a reflection/observation)

To improve Social Wellness Explore where you live – visit one new place each month Talk to someone new, initiate a conversation with someone you don’t know or only met briefly Respect others’ points of view, doesn’t mean you have to agree with them

To Improve Social Wellness Believe in yourself Practice self-disclosure Know what you need and pursue people and things that nurture those needs Connect often with people who are supportive in your life Give tender loving care to somebody in need

To Really Rock Social Wellness Take part in an activity that interests you or, better yet, one you are passionate about

Shifting Into Your Circle of Influence You can make willful choices to enhance: Personal relationships Important friendships Your community The environment What one choice are you going to make as you leave here today?

To Shift the Shape of Your Social Wellness Learn from the past Plan for the future Live in the present

Social Wellness Shifting the Shape of your community(s) and your relationships with consciousness and intentionality