June is Professional Wellness Month

June is Professional Wellness Month – a month dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the importance of maintaining our mental, emotional, and physical health in the workplace. This month has been around since the early 2000s as a way to encourage people to practice healthy social behaviors and build meaningful relationships with others. Social wellness is all about fostering positive connections, not just with family and friends, but also with our communities, colleagues, and strangers we meet along the way. From maintaining strong communication skills to making sure we take time for self-care, this month is a great reminder of the importance of connecting meaningfully with others.

Why Professional Wellness Month is Important:

A. Promotes mental health & wellbeing- Social wellness is essential for our overall mental health and wellbeing. It encourages us to be connected and engaged with our surroundings, practice self care, reach out to others and work on developing meaningful relationships with our loved ones- all of which are vital components in maintaining good emotional and mental health!

B. Helps reduce stress & anxiety- When we cultivate our social wellness, we give ourselves the opportunity to relax and let go of the tension that comes from feeling disconnected or isolated. Having friends and family to turn to when life gets challenging or uncertain can help relieve stress and anxiety, leaving us better equipped to face life’s hardships.

C. Improves overall quality of life- Fostering strong social connections has been linked to increased feelings of joy, purpose and satisfaction with life in general. People who have more supportive friendships tend to have a greater sense of security and well being than those without.

Celebrate Professional Wellness Month by:

1. Connecting with old friends and colleagues- take the time to reach out to your old friends and colleagues. Social media is a great way to get in touch with people you haven’t seen in a while, and it’s a great way to show them you care. Or, pick up the phone and call!
2. Volunteer- Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and meet new people. Find a local organization that needs some help and lend a hand. It’s a great way to make a difference and practice social wellness.
3. Create an online support group- Creating an online support group is a great way to connect with others who share similar interests or challenges. You can use an online forum or chatroom to open up conversations and provide support for one another.
4. Host a game night- Games are fun and can bring people together in a unique way. Invite some friends over for a game night, whether it’s cards, board games, or video games. It’s a great way to bond and practice social wellness.
5. Attend a local event- Find out what events are happening in your community and attend one. Local fairs, festivals, and concerts are all great opportunities to meet new people and engage in social activities.