Leadership Skills

Social Networking

Having a supportive social network is important to your well being. Recent studies have demonstrated that having friends and family help people recover from severe illnesses and major surgeries. A 2014 article in Psychology Today reported that extreme loneliness increased the risk of dying prematurely by 14%. The study also found that loneliness disrupted sleep, increased depression and stress, and elevated blood pressure, all of which impact your well-being.

Build Your Network

If you need to find more friends and acquaintances, here are some things you can do:

• Maintain your best relationships. If you do not work on a relationship, it will not last. Remember your mutual interests, and make time for your friends.
• Build from existing connections. These could be people at work or within existing social context. Look for shared interests and joint activities.
• Build alliances with casual friends. Find ways to help each other. Through your interactions, you will both meet new people.
• Value your interactions. Spend time with people who inspire and support you. Do not waste your time with those people who drain your energy.
• Create opportunities. Invite new or casual friends to outings and activities. If you are shy, research local events where you could arrange to meet.
• Accept invitations from others. If you do not accept invitations, people will consider that you are not interested in a friendship. They will stop asking you.
• Join a social group. You should only join a group that shares your interests. For example, there are reading, hiking, rock hounding, sporting, and crafting groups, just to name a few.
• Take a class. There will probably be people of all ages wanting to learn the same content, so that's a start.
• Volunteer. Find a community organization and give your time. You are likely to find people there who share your interests and values.

Friendships generally don't just happen, so be patient. You will need to put forth effort and get out there! No one is going to come to your cubicle or home searching for you. Take it slowly, and be yourself. Finally, remember that there is nothing wrong with saying "No" to a new friendship if you do not feel a connection.