Have you ever stopped to watch a spider build a web? When you take the time to really focus on how complex a web is, you can appreciate all the time and effort the spider puts into anchoring the web, connecting the lines, and making sure the web's pattern is evenly spaced to prevent gaps. A spider's web is comparable to the relationships and social networks we create in life.
Networking consists of a group or system of interconnected people or things. Nurturing and supportive relationships form a strong connection between us and those around us. But just like a web requires the spider to work and maintain the web, our relationships and how we interact with others need constant attention and maintenance.
Our social support system can provide a buffer against difficult life events and enhance our quality of life. This system of tangible and non-tangible assistance serves as an anchor that keeps us grounded when we are facing problems. Sometimes this support comes in the form of information, for example: the Extension Service provides information to our county residents that can improve a person's quality of life and skills. Other organizations and people provide instrumental support to help the physical lives of people, such as the volunteer services that the Extension Homemakers provide. Emotional support is provided through the actions the people around us take to make us feel they care.
Strong social networks are associated with a healthier endocrine and cardiovascular system. The last year has shown how important healthy social networks are to how we respond to stress and our immune system's ability to fight off infectious disease. In fact, research shows that people who have a strong social network tend to live longer.
The silk of a spider's web has both strength and elasticity. Our relationships can be complicated and need strength and flexibility to keep the connections from breaking. A spider must maintain vigilance and quickly repair any breaks in its web for that web to serve its purpose. Our social networks can be fragile and require us to work to maintain our connections with others. In effect, we have to nurture the relationships that nurture us.
The connections of our social network are constantly changing. People or groups come and go, interests change, and basically "life happens." The health risks from being alone or isolated in life are comparable to the risks associated with cigarette smoking, blood pressure, and obesity. Taking steps to grow your network can help.
Ways to grow your social network:
ā¢ Volunteering is a great way to help others and make connections withing your community.
ā¢ Joining a class to learn something new can introduce you to a whole new set of people with similar interests and talents.
ā¢ Exercise! A gym membership or exercise group brings direct health benefits and once again brings you in contact with new people who can support and encourage you.
ā¢ Use your hobbies and interests to find ways to connect with others.
ā¢ Finally, take time to nurture and support your family and friends to strengthen those bonds you already have.
July is Social Wellness Month. Take some time to evaluate your relationships and how you interact with others. The Cooperative Extension Service offers a variety of ways to learn how to strengthen relationships as well as opportunities to get involved within your community. You can visit our website at Life Skills and Wellness Resources in Arkansas (http://www.uaex.edu). For more information about programs in Garland County call the Extension office at 501-623-6841 or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/garlandcountyextension.
Master Gardener information
Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. The meetings are open to the public, and guests are welcome. For more information, call the Extension office at 623-6841 or email Alex Dykes at [email protected].
EHC information
Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC, call 623-6841 or email Alison Crane, family and consumer sciences agent, at [email protected]. Follow Alison on Facebook @garlandEGF and @Garland FCS, and EHC on Facebook @GarlandCountyEHC.
4-H information
There are several 4-H Clubs for Garland County youths who are 5 to 19 years old. For information about Garland County 4-H Club membership or program benefits, contact Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension office, call 501-623-6841, or email [email protected]. More information is available at http://www.uaex.edu/garland.