You need a strong social circle — your “posse” — to be at the top of your game. Strong connections with others bring a greater sense of belonging in both your home and work life. The people you trust play an important role in your emotional well-being, especially during stressful times.

Support Systems Matter

Human connections are the cornerstone of overall wellness; they help provide a sense of purpose in your life and can even bring you joy. Your social network includes family, friends, coworkers, mentors and community members who support you each day. These supportive relationships are essential because they help you navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience.

Different Types of Support

Your inner circle provides four different types of support:

• Emotional — through listening and encouragement.
• Practical — helping with responsibilities or tasks.
• Professional — offering guidance, mentorship and feedback.
• Social — providing companionship through shared experiences.

Benefits of a Strong Network

Everyone benefits from a strong network, but it can be a more urgent issue if you’re feeling isolated or disconnected. Sometimes, we don’t want to ask for help even when we most need it. If you handle challenges entirely on your own, it’s time for you to build — or strengthen your network. Don’t wait until you desperately need support in the middle of a stressful situation to start making more meaningful connections.

When you have a strong support network, your motivation to get things done improves, and you’re less likely to let things slip. With that kind of support, your confidence naturally grows, allowing you to feel empowered when facing changes.

“A strong support network doesn't have to have all the answers," says Hayley Flott, PDRMA Wellness Consultant. "If you've always worked through problems on your own, reaching out to others may feel uncomfortable at first. But simply talking through a challenge with someone you trust can help you feel less overwhelmed, give you a fresh perspective and leave you feeling better equipped to handle the situation — even if they don't have the perfect solution.”

Strengthening Your Connections

How do you strengthen your connections and experience a new level of well-being? Start by reaching out more often to the people you already know and trust. Schedule time regularly for meaningful conversations with friends, family and colleagues. When you feel ready, join groups, organizations or community activities where you can meet new people and grow your network. While you’re working on your circle of support, don’t forget to offer support to all the people you’re meeting. You can do this by practicing active listening and genuine curiosity about their activities and challenges.

Creating a Lasting Sense of Belonging

When you invest energy in positive and supportive relationships, you’ll feel their impact on your overall wellness. Even small interactions make a difference, especially with your most important connections. And you'll often discover that supporting someone else strengthens your own well-being, too!

PATH Resources

As you prepare to take aim at a stronger network, consider some of these helpful ideas and suggestions on PATH.

• Journeys: Make Friends and Connect with Others.
• Healthy Habits: Time for Friends.
• Media: Three Ways to Make Friends as Adults.