Assessing Your Social Fitness

Ever notice how “How was your weekend?” has become the unofficial Monday morning anthem? While it might seem like small talk, these little exchanges can do wonders for our well-being and help strengthen the connections that keep us thriving

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Happiful

“How was your weekend?” It’s a common question we exchange in passing with an acquaintance or over a quick chat at the coffee station at work. But even these brief moments of interaction can have a bigger impact on our well-being than we might think.

A 2010 study published in the journal PLOS Medicine, which analysed data from nearly 309,000 participants, found that individuals with stronger social connections were up to 50% more likely to live longer and healthier lives compared to those with fewer interactions. These results highlight the importance of prioritising our social interactions. But what exactly is “social fitness,” and how can we evaluate the quality of our relationships?

What is Social Fitness?

‘Social fitness’ refers to the way we evaluate, strengthen and improve our relationships and interactions with others. This encompasses all areas of our social lives, including connections with partners, family, friends, coworkers and members of our community. When we feel a sense of connectedness, we’re less prone to stress, recover more quickly from challenging or traumatic experiences and generally feel more equipped to handle life’s challenges.

Understanding Your Social Fitness

Take a moment to reflect on your social support system. Ask yourself: Who can you rely on, and who relies on you? In what situations? How do others support you, and how do you show up for them? Who offers you valuable advice? It’s also important to think about how you nurture these relationships. Do you have a healthy mix of close connections and more casual acquaintances?

Remember, it’s not the number of relationships that counts, but their depth and quality. Every interaction, big or small, matters. So, the next time someone asks, “How was your weekend?” take the opportunity to truly connect. Move beyond the usual small talk and engage in a conversation that strengthens your bond. These moments, no matter how brief, can contribute significantly to your overall social fitness and well-being.