The core of our happiness is not wealth, fame, or money—it’s relationships.
And when you create and continue to foster those relationships, you build a community. Community then creates a sense of love, a sense of connection, and a sense of belonging. And that is the core of both your happiness and your health.
Finding a community is about finding people with whom you resonate with. Some people call it ‘finding your tribe.’ Others say it’s simply about being around people that are aligned with what you think and believe.
At Synergy 180, our focus is to create a community through our physical space (studio) and our emotional connections (relationships). Our aim is to be a business where people can feel welcomed. We also want to create a sense of love and belonging with the way we treat our clients and patrons.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your community with like-minded people, or are wanting to learn more about how your community shapes your wellbeing, here are five ways the bonds you create can benefit your overall health.
1. You get a support system.
When you build a community, you build an automatic support system. You have people to turn to when you’re feeling down, overwhelmed, scared, or anxious. You also have a network of people you can celebrate or share happy moments with, too.
Having a friend who is both positive (and close by) can increase our happiness by up to 25%! That’s why finding a community is so important. Not only do you discover people you can talk and get vulnerable with, but in the exercise world, it means you have a partner (and often more than one!) to attend classes with and pursue goals alongside.
2. You get accountability.
Community creates accountability, and it’s oftentimes that accountability that pushes you to get things done. Whether it’s setting a new PR or making it to that 5:30AM session, having community means people will hold you accountable for the commitments and promises you make.
This will push you forward, strengthen you, and help you to achieve even your most challenging goals.
3. You find people who are aligned with you.
One of the most beautiful aspects of community is being able to find people with whom your beliefs and thoughts align. No, you won’t always see eye-to-eye (and you’re not supposed to). But your community will challenge you to think differently, while still supporting who you are as an individual.
You’ll also learn and constantly grow with a positive community around you.
4. You find courage to step out of your comfort zone.
Having a community encourages you to believe in things you may not have even though of alone. When you’re around people who build you up, you start taking risks. It’s these risks that shape you, that help you hit new records, and that teach you the only barrier you have is within your own mind.
5. You discover positivity that propels you forward.
When you’re surrounded by a like-minded community, you look to the future with a sense of peace and joy. No longer are you afraid of what’s coming or what’s next; instead you lean on the people around you, and you support them as you both move forward.
How Community Shapes Your Health:
In a 2015 study, 43% of young people between the ages of 10-15 reported being bullied. As a result, over 29% self-harmed, 30% had suicidal thoughts, and 6% engaged in risky behavior. These numbers could drastically decrease had there been a better sense of community in their lives.
While these statistics may differ based on age, location, and a myriad of other factors, the premise is the same. Having strong social connections can improve mental well-being, and even reduce early mortality rates.
When people are surrounded by like-minded, supportive individuals, their health and happiness increases.
So who are you building community with?
Featured Image Credit: Andrea Vehige
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