If you’re finding life tough at the moment, you’re not alone. Rising costs, the economy, climate change, crime, immigration, and international conflict are just some of the issues and concerns facing us all at the present time.
With plenty of speculation and negativity surrounding these challenges, it’s important that we don’t start to feel stressed or overwhelmed by what is going on around us. That’s why having a supportive community around you can be so helpful.
Meaningful Connections
Humans need a community. We are by nature very social animals that’s why we thrive best when we are in groups and are able to have meaningful connections. We also know that people who are more socially connected to family, friends, or their community are happier, physically healthier, and live longer, with fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected.
Community’ is a very broad term. To me it’s simply a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common like culture, religion, values, beliefs, customs, business, identity or interests. Communities bring like-minded people together with similar characteristics and common interests. And in tough times, being part of a community is like being wrapped in a big safety net, helping us to feel connected and part of something larger than ourselves.
Benefits of Community
Whether it’s a professional community like a business network, a specific interest community like a slimming group, a neighbourhood community like a sports club, an online community like a social media group, or volunteering with a charity that is close to your heart, the benefits of belonging, feeling supported and connected to others cannot be ignored. However, there are other advantages which are equally as important
- Reduce isolation and loneliness
- Enhance mental health and wellbeing
- Access practical support and additional resources
- Feel inspired, learn and share knowledge
- Develop meaningful relationships
- Foster resilience and build hope
- Boost self-esteem and confidence
- Have a greater sense of purpose
- Feel safer and happier
- Seek out new opportunities to grow and develop
Whilst finding your community can feel a little daunting at first, making the most of the communities around you can strengthen your connections, enabling you to find new opportunities, and even make new friends along the way.
Shape Your Future
However one of the best things that being part of a community can do is to extend your horizons and shape your future. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals with shared goals will inspire and motivate you, as well as providing opportunities to learn, develop new interests and foster leadership skills.
In addition, community involvement can empower you to take on greater challenges and responsibilities helping you to shape a more positive and sustainable future for you and others.
Community power works because people who know and love their communities are more likely to know what is best for them. If you want advice, help and support to help you discover more about the power of community, please get in touch today – debby@total-spectrum.com
