We’re becoming increasingly isolated – that’s a fact. Whilst your current buddies might be ace, meeting new ones via hobbies and interests may give you an extra level of happiness and community that you’ve been craving…
While your 700+ friends on Facebook may suggest a life of constant interaction, the reality can be quite different. Social media provides a notion of community (a ‘You ok hon?’ in response to an angry emoticon), but it’s virtual and doesn’t always create that same closeness, in ANY way. ‘We do a lot of communication at a distance,’ says social psychologist Sandra Wheatley. ‘But this means relationships and friendships lose their spontaneity and a lot of what people say to each other is over-analysed or unrealistic. Bringing back face-to-face communication, through different social groups and interactions, not only boosts mood, but also broadens and enriches the mind.’
That’s why finding your A-team or ‘squad’ (think Taylor Swift’s #squadgoals) – that group of friends you can meet up with regularly to socialise – is the way forward and something to spend time on. It could be through joining a sports team. Long gone are the days of shivering on a muddy pitch, getting picked last and cold showers – many sports clubs have good facilities and thriving social scenes and are a great way to meet people. Try beinspireduk.org/play. However, if you want slightly more alternative exercise, try joinrabble.com which markets itself as the ‘backlash against boring exercise’. It offers high intensity exercise disguised as classic playground games such as British Bulldogs or Capture the Flag. You’ll make new friends and get a workout!
While living in a city of millions can make it seem like there’s plenty of people to build up your ‘squad’, it can actually cause the reverse. In fact, a 2012 poll by the BBC discovered more than a quarter of Londoners felt lonely often or all the time. Try citysocializer.com, which helps you meet like-minded locals in your city or meetup.com, which is nationwide. Whether you’re into 80’s comics or gardening you’ll find somebody who shares your passion – even if your mates don’t.
If helping others is more your thing, find out what volunteering opportunities there are through sites such as do-it.org or vinspired.com. It helps other and gives you a serious wellbeing boost too. And for something more cerebral, a book club could help you expand your circle – find your nearest one at my-bookclub.com which is an easy way to make new literary buddies or just expand your horizons.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to pick your #squad…
Poll source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20324373