The Blog

Welcome to Week 5 of Sweet Summer Habits ! This week, we’re exploring the importance of social support and community engagement for health and well-being. Building a supportive network of family, friends, and community members can make all the difference in our health journey. Let’s dive into how we can harness the power of community to achieve our health goals together.

Weekly Athlete Spotlight

This week, we draw inspiration from Paralympic Rower Ben Washburne, who highlights the importance of being on a team with other people, both in sports and in day-to-day life. Recognizing athletes who excel in teamwork and camaraderie. “That was a big thing for me, as a kid going from sport to sport to sport to find my sport, my people,” -Paralympic Rower Ben Washburne. “It can’t be understated how important it is to be on a team with other people, just like day-to-day.” Teamwork matters! Download this week’s activity sheet at www.itstimetexas/ssh. Let’s follow Ben’s example and lean on our community for support as we strive to lead healthier, happier lives together!

Benefits of Social Support for Health and Well-being

Social support has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, increased resilience, and better overall health outcomes. We’ll explore the science behind social support and discuss how having a supportive network can positively impact our physical and mental well-being.

Ways to Create a Supportive Environment at Home and in the Community 

Creating a supportive environment starts with fostering open communication, empathy, and trust. We’ll share practical strategies for cultivating a supportive atmosphere at home and in the community, such as:

• Actively listening to one another’s needs and concerns.
• Offering encouragement and validation during challenging times.
• Engaging in activities together that promote bonding and connection.
• Being inclusive and welcoming of diverse perspectives and experiences.

Ideas for Family Activities that Promote Connection and Bonding: 

Strengthening family bonds is essential for building a strong support system. We’ll provide ideas for family activities that promote connection and bonding, such as:

• Having regular family dinners where everyone can share their highs and lows of the day.
• Planning fun outings or adventures together, such as hikes, picnics, or game nights.
• Volunteering as a family to give back to the community and support causes you care about.

How to Find Local Resources and Support Groups for Health Goals: 

Finding local resources and support groups can provide additional support and encouragement on your health journey. We’ll discuss how to find and access local resources, such as:

• Community centers, libraries, and recreational facilities that offer health and wellness programs.
• Support groups for specific health conditions or goals, such as weight loss or smoking cessation programs.
• Online platforms and social media groups where you can connect with like-minded individuals and share experiences and resources.

By harnessing the power of community and social support, we can strengthen our resilience, boost our well-being, and achieve our health goals with the support of those around us. So, let’s come together and build a supportive network that empowers us to thrive! Don’t forget to download the habit tracker sheet for this week!  

Connect with our Telehealth Coaching team to work on your health goals!

Check out these additional resources to support your health journey this summer! 

• Read the “Create Better Health” Blog for more information on cooking healthy meals on a budget, buying and preparing whole foods, understanding food labels, practicing safety in the kitchen, and much more!
• Visit “Pick It! Try It! Like It!” for resources to use in the classroom or at home!
• Head to Myplate.gov to learn more about making healthy food choices!