The benefits of healthy social relationships

Tracey L. Briggs, MA

Supervisor, Employee Wellness

Our physiological systems are highly responsive to positive social interactions. Lifelong friendships, new acquaintances, and caring conversations, are the key ingredients of close relationships. Whether with romantic partners, family, or friends, social connections can influence our biology and well-being.

Psychologists have studied and identified the desire to feel connected to others as a basic human need, and that interpersonal relationships have a significant impact on our mental and physical health, health behaviors, and mortality risk. Wide-ranging research suggests that strong social ties are linked to a longer life. In contrast, loneliness and social isolation are linked to poorer health, depression, and increased risk of early death.

Nurturing a variety of relationships is important. These can include partnerships, spouses, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Studies have found that people who have larger, more diverse types of social ties tend to live longer and have better physical and mental health than people with fewer relationships. Social support may be especially protective during difficult times. From marriage to work friendships, the benefit of such connections might improve your ability to fight off illness or give you a more positive outlook on life.

In finding the place to build friendships and professional relationships, you need to look no further than the Happy Heart Bistro and the University Club. On north campus, you can find a bright, open space and lots of warmth at “The Bistro.” From plenty of smiles to a healthy menu, it is open to all of UNM and always a wonderful place to meet. On central campus, the University Club is one of the best kept secrets at UNM. For the small price of a $7 per month membership, you have access to a whole host of benefits which range from a member newsletter, a discounted price on the catered healthy buffet lunch to weekly Happy Hour events which help you conclude the work week. You even have member access to conference space at no charge and holiday events. The “Club,” once known as the Faculty and Staff Club, is open to all benefits eligible UNM employees. Social events and the weekly menu are shared to your inbox so you can connect for a working meeting or just for a relaxing lunch.

By developing the overall quality of your workplace associations and growing a variety of social relationships, you may help reduce stress, heart-related risks, increase your mental well-being and improve personal and professional satisfaction. So, look into and take advantage of how UNM offers employees the opportunity to grow their social wellness at the University Club, Happy Heart Bistro, or many of the other socially beneficial programs like Popejoy Hall performances, Lobo athletics, Recreational Services WOW Pass classes, and Continuing Education classes, just to name a few.