Social Wellness-What Does It Mean to You?
Social wellness involves building healthy, nurturing relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you. These relationships can offer support and increase resilience in times of distress. This July, Recovery Café Longmont celebrated Social Wellness Month— a time to honor social relationships and their impact on our overall health. Research shows improving social wellness can help you live a longer, fuller life.
Members, volunteers, and staff show how social wellness flourishes in the Café. When asked what social wellness means to him, Dale, one of our Ambassadors of Hospitality, speaks to the importance of fellowship for human growth. Mid-sentence Dale excuses himself to welcome a new face in the Café. He introduces the guest to everyone, makes sure they are comfortable, and makes a mental note to circle back and get to know them.
These actions are common among members, staff, and volunteers at the Café and lead to the strong bonds Dale refers to as fellowship. He adds, “That’s the Divine Love spoken about as one of the Café’s guiding principles. You feel it as soon as you come through the door.”
A New Way to Fill the Void
Member Troy (pictured above right), says fellowship and social wellness are vital to his recovery. Troy explains how a big draw to his drug of choice was the social circle: “Anytime I felt alone in addiction, calling someone to use with was a way to temporarily fill that social void.”
Today Troy has a new supportive community in sobriety. In addition to friends made at the Café, Troy is grateful for the deep personal connections made in Crystal Meth Anonymous — a new 12-step meeting he facilitates with another member, Matthew (pictured above left). The meeting is held at 3pm on Tuesdays in the Café.
As Troy deals with current health concerns, he finds his spirits lifted when helping others become the best versions of themselves. He works the night shift and encourages those who might need his help to call him at any time: “It’s nice to be there for others when they feel hopeless and alone. I know what it’s like to need someone.”
Tips to Enhance Social Wellness
- Participate in group discussions and practice active listening.
- Learn to recognize and practice letting others know when you need alone time.
- Incorporate phone calls and quality time with friends and family in your weekly schedule.
- Join different clubs and activities to discover your interests and make friends.
Recovery Café’s approach to Promoting Social Wellness:
- Weekly recovery circles provide an opportunity for deep connection and accountability.
- Communal meals relieve hunger and isolation.
- School for Recovery classes build life skills and promote bonding through new activities.
- Radical Hospitality is our act of gracious, warm, and enduring welcome of all people to ensure a feeling of love and support within our community.
- Through hardship and slip-ups, the Café ensures continued support and a plan to repair.
Recovery Café Longmont supports men and women through addiction, homelessness, and other mental health and life challenges. Creating a community of social support is essential to our mission.
Membership is free and requirements are simple:
- Be drug- and alcohol-free the past 24 hours.
- Participate in a weekly Recovery Circle or let staff know when you must be absent.
- Participate in community service at the Café.
- Practice the guiding principles of the Recovery Café community.
