Health Benefits of Support Systems
Picture a mom who does it all. She always has the kids organized. She always makes sure to practice her own self-care. She always takes the time to foster a relationship with her partner and her friends. To those on the outside, they might think she’s superhuman. There’s no possible way she does that all on her own. And very likely the reality is that she doesn’t. She probably has a support system in place to keep her clicking away seamlessly. The benefits of having a support system in place go beyond just having an extra set of hands to help when you need it. There are proven health benefits to having support in your life, and also some less-than-desirable side effects of not having a support system in place.
We are social creatures. We need each other for support. In various studies, it has been shown that a lack of support is worse for a human's health than obesity, smoking, and even high blood pressure. There can be a dramatic increase in anxiety and depression for those without a support system which can also lead to higher levels of antisocial behavior. Creating a network of individuals you can call on when you need it is crucial to your mental and physical wellbeing.
But here’s the wonderful news: a strong sense of support enhances physical health and overall quality of life. Feeling connected and supported by others releases endorphins, the feel-good hormone that increases happiness. It's safe to say those with a strong support system have a greater chance of feeling happiness. Overall health increases with the degree of connection to support. The science also shows a 50% increased chance of longevity and a stronger immune system for those with a strong support system.
Of course there are challenges to finding and maintaining a solid support system but we have you covered. In our latest workbook, “A Mom’s Guide to Building Connection,” we walk you step by step through how to identify people who can be in your support system and how to best foster those relationships. You can get your copy here!
