Social wellness involves building and maintaining healthy relationships as well as creating a sense of belonging and a supportive community. Love and belonging to a group is a basic need for humans. It is vital for individuals to have a supportive network in which we are cared for and can care for others. 

Below, there is a list of a few tips to help you obtain optimal social wellness.

1. Use assertive communication with others. It is important to share with others how you feel and ask for what you need in a respectful manner. Additionally, you want to listen to others utilizing empathetic understanding and emotional validation.
2. Interact with new people to create meaningful social connections. There are a variety of ways to build social connections with others, including volunteering at a local organization, using an online social meetup app, and joining a group based on personal interests (fitness, creative arts, dancing, nature, etc.). 
3. Set healthy boundaries with others. You need to prioritize your time and health in relationships. Set healthy limits by taking care of yourself and saying “no” to social events or favors when necessary. Practicing self-care is just as important as spending quality time with others. 

Resources:

• National Institutes of Health. (2026). Social Wellness Toolkit. https://www.nih.gov/health-information/your-healthiest-self-wellness-toolkits/social-wellness-toolkit

• Northwestern University. (2026). Social Wellness. Wellness at Northwestern. https://www.northwestern.edu/wellness/8-dimensions/social-wellness.html

• William Glasser Institute, UK. (2026). Choice Theory: 5 Basic Human Needs. https://wgi-uk.co.uk/choice-theory-5-basic-human-needs/