Social Connection & Healthy Relationships

Positive social connections are essential for our physical, mental, and emotional health. Yet, finding a sense of belonging can sometimes feel challenging in a busy world, and social isolation is a growing concern.

While making new connections can feel daunting, building community often starts with a shared interest or activity. Exploring local opportunities is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people. This could mean joining a book club or walking group, volunteering for a cause you care about, or taking a class at a community center. Many libraries, senior centers, and faith-based organizations also host regular events and gatherings designed to bring people together.

Remember, it’s okay to start small! Even a friendly chat with a neighbor or a shared smile can make a difference. Each connection, big or small, contributes to your well-being and helps weave a stronger, more supportive community for everyone.

Make Connections

Social connections might help protect health and lengthen life. Scientists are finding that our links to others can have powerful effects on our health. Learn about the link between social connection and physical and mental wellbeing. Use the tips below to find new social connections.

• Join a group: Find a group focused on a favorite hobby, such as reading, hiking, painting, or wood carving. Sno-Isle Libraries offer regular community workshops on a variety of topics. You can also find local events by visiting Embrace Whidbey Camano and the community centers listed below.

• Limit social media: Take breaks from social media and take time build relationships with family, friends, and community members.

• Learn something new. Take a cooking, writing, art, music, or computer class. Find local activities for families by visiting Macaroni Kid of Island County. Learn a new art or craft by taking classes at local art schools.

• Take a class: Try yoga, tai chi, or another new physical activity. Find local classes for seniors by visiting our website. 

• Volunteer at a school, library, hospital, or place of worship. Get connected to local volunteer opportunities using Volunteer Match. Participate in neighborhood events, like a park clean-up through your local recreation center or community association.

• Travel to different places and meet new people. Travel does not have to be to a far-away place. Consider visiting a new town, hiking trail, or other nearby location to broaden your horizons!

Build Healthy Relationships

Strong, healthy relationships are important throughout your life. They can impact your mental and physical well-being. As a child you learn the social skills you need to form and maintain relationships with others. But at any age you can learn ways to improve your relationships. It's important to know what a healthy relationship looks like and how to keep your connections supportive. To build healthy relationships:

• Find your boundaries: Recognize how other people influence you, share your feelings honestly, and ask for what you need from others.

• Communicate: Stay connected through communication and work to listen to others without judgement or blame. Be caring and empathetic. Disagree with others respectfully. Conflicts should not turn into personal attacks.

• Expect respect: Expect others to treat you with respect and honesty in return.

• Create healthy relationships: Relationships look different depending on our environment. Learn how to develop healthy workplace relationships and healthy relationships at school.

• Protect yourself from violent and abusive people. Set boundaries with others. Decide what you are and aren't willing to do. It's okay to say no. CADA of Island County provides support for people experiencing domestic abuse. Learn more about building healthy relationships here from helpguide.org and from Health Plan Finder.

Find Volunteer Opportunities and Community Events

• The Camano Center: Community center that connects, enriches, and supports the Camano community.

• Community Resource Center of Stanwood Camano: Offers family and community programs and supportive services.

• The Center Oak Harbor: The Center in Oak Harbor exists to empower older adults in our community for personal independence, healthy aging, social connection, and life-long learning.

• South Whidbey Community Center: Center for recreation, education, and social services.

• Whidbey Watershed Stewards: Linking water, land, wildlife, and people through education, research, and restoration on Whidbey Island. Find community through volunteer opportunities.

• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Volunteering: Get active, build community, and restore ecosystems by signing up to volunteer with the WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife.

• Island County Marine Resources Committee: Find community and support marine health through local volunteer opportunities.
• Join a local Kiwanis club. Kiwanis is a global volunteer-based organization dedicated to improving communities and serving children through various service projects, fundraisers, and community support initiatives.
• Learn about local Rotary clubs and Lions clubs to support community improvement and make connections.