Social Wellness Month
What is Social Wellness Month?
So being completely transparent, I didn't know this was a thing. Social Wellness month was created by Words of Wellness because of wanting to emphasize the importance of socializing and building new bonds. According to multiple research studies, socialization is a key part of human wellbeing. (National Today)
There is still time to enjoy the summer. If you don’t have a vacation planned, try exploring your own city. This is an especially good idea for people who recently moved to a new town or for stay at home moms (SAHM). This can add some spice to your daily routine and increase socialization that can lead to new friends. Let's talk about new ways to explore your own town.
Sign up/ Pick up the local Newspaper.
So if you aren't a sit down and read the daily newspaper type of person- you're in luck. I ‘m referring to the non-traditional, not so stuffy local papers. Most major cities have at least 1 that focuses on events and restaurants in the city and are typically free. There are even digital forms of some publications that are not in print. You can typically find the print publications in freestanding newspaper stands in the downtown area of your city. Another place to check is the main library of your town in the newspaper and magazine section. You could even ask the librarian if they know of digital newspapers that you may not be aware of. But as a bonus, I found that the local morning news shows were really helpful with learning about upcoming events and organizations that align with your passions. If you don’t get up early, I recommend recording it. Although I get up early, I still record so that I can watch it while eating breakfast later in the morning.
Join neighborhood and/or city based social media groups.
Search location based instagram accounts. There are specific influencers who talk about restaurants/places/ events in a particular state or city. In the search field, type in your city and see what comes up. You can also pair with an interest to get more focused results (i.e. columbus+fashion). Most likely some of the newspapers mentioned above have an instagram account and will show pictures of events and you can get a better idea if it is something you want to go to.
Join interest based groups/activities
SAHMs- This is the one time you can rely on your “coworkers” to go have a good time. Check out your local library for story time if you have little ones. This is how I met my first friend and sorority sister in Columbus. I attended other events and met other mom friends. However, use this principle and apply it to hobbies. For example, if you like to run, join Black Girls Run to meet a new running buddy. This could lead to my next point of attending summer festivals together.
Check out Summer Festivals
Even if you don't have any friends to attend the festival, go alone. Of course you will take family to the kid friendly ones. However if there is a concert and/or adult oriented festival or can't find anyone to attend with you go it alone. It may be hard to just go to a festival and hope you find someone to talk to or share the experience with however I have never regretted it. Also, if you get there and decide you don't enjoy it, you can always leave early knowing you tried something new.
Try new restaurants.
You can get a 2 for 1 here. Get some hopefully new and exciting food and learn about new events. Sometimes restaurants have events posted inside or surrounding it.
What are your tips for meeting new people? Comment Below.