Being fit comes in many shapes. We can be fit for duty, fit for work, fit of mind, and fit of body. While each of these fitness factors is important and are mutually supportive, there is one form of fitness that studies show is key to lasting health, longevity, and happiness: social fitness. If you feel connected, worthwhile, a sense of belonging, valued, and are remembered by those who matter most to you, you feel a high level of social fitness. Feeling isolated from those you love, no matter how far away you are, is the opposite feeling. Close friends and family play a critical role in our well-being. When we are not connected with them, like during months-long pandemic-induced isolation, what results is a sorrowfully low level of social fitness that impacts all the other fitness factors in our life.
Let’s look at the isolation of the most remote workplace. Astronauts will face several dangers in the remote long-duration missions of the future. Among them will be a social isolation never before experienced by humans. Their work environment will be so remote and inaccessible that even a conversation with someone at home cannot be received in real time, but will be delayed by seconds or many minutes. An astronaut crew of about four will return to the Moon in a few years in preparation for humankind to go further still. Their social fitness will need to be nurtured. Because there, living and working in the frozen dark reaches of the Moon’s shadows, our astronauts will need connections – as all of us do. Human survival depends on it.
How Strong Are Your Relationships? Take the Quiz. (NYTimes):
“These 13 questions were designed in partnership with Dr. Robert Waldinger, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, to help you take stock of the range and strength of your many social ties. As you submit answers for each question, a visual representation of your dynamic social-world will appear.” (Jan. 1, 2023)
(Adobe)
How can you make your Social Fitness stronger? Just like any other fitness area, it needs exercise. Here’s a start: Take responsibility for improving it. Reach out. Tell someone you care about what they mean to you. Share a story and listen to someone else’s. Do what you say you will do. Put down your cell phone in the company of others (unless you’re calling to do any of the above) and exercise your social connections. (Social fitness is the biggest predictor of a happy life. Here’s how to improve yours.)
Make this Holiday Season your best. Raise a toast to your social fitness. Then choose to make it stronger.
Perhaps the best gift you offer will be to improve someone else’s social fitness.