Socialising

It is important to stay connected with others. A lack of social interaction can lead to isolation, loneliness and a reduced quality of life. Meanwhile, positive relationships can help you to improve your self-esteem and give you a greater sense of self-worth and a feeling of belonging.

Sometimes, it can be hard to stay connected with others. We may live far from friends and family, or we might have lost touch with people we were close to. Here are some things you can do if you are struggling to stay connected with others:

• volunteer - there are many places you could volunteer in your community, including charity shops, hospitals and community groups
• join a social or activity group - joining a group is a great way to meet like-minded people in your community. You could join a social group or an activity group and learn a new hobby or skill. See our 'I would like to find a social group or activity' page for more on this
• meet up with a colleague outside of work
• pick up the phone or send an email to an old friend or family member who you haven’t spoken to in a while

Social media can be a great way to stay in touch with people and make new connections. There are a variety of social media platforms available, each offering a different way to connect with people.

Sometimes, however, using social media can add to feelings of loneliness and if you are feeling lonely, social media can make it seem like you are the only one feeling this way. It is helpful to remember that not everything you see on social media is true and that people often only use it to share their highlights.