Improve Your Relationships- Part 1

Build A Support Network

Did you know that friendship is just as important as exercise, nutrition and, regular check-ups with our health care provider?

Research shows that people who have healthy relationships have less physical and mental illness than people who are socially isolated. They also tend to live longer. One study of 7,000 adults in California showed that those with close ties to family, friends and community had less heart disease, cancer, strokes, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, and substance abuse problems.

The combination of involvement, caring relationships, and actively seeking friendship is what psychologists call “social support.” The people who are close to you form your “social support network.”

This article will help you learn a set of skills which will improve your social support network. Some of these skills come naturally to you and some you will have to work at. No one is an “expert” in relationships. We are all learning as we go. So be gentle on yourself and consider relationship enhancement as a life long process.

From the list below take a look at who is part of your support network and who you would like to exclude. Some individuals can fit more than one category:

• Parents/Relatives

• Spouse or significant other

• Old friends

• New friends

• People who make me feel good

• People who make my life easier

• People I turn to in times of trouble

• People I turn to in times of joy

• People who are downers

• People who support me being healthy, competent or talented

• People who are uncomfortable with me being healthy, competent, or talented