Have you just moved to your town and having a difficult time meeting others? Or have you lived in your town for many years but just never had time to form a deeper connection to those around you?
The time constraints of everyday life can often prevent you from reaping the benefits of being social within your own town and neighborhoods. Work, long commutes and family responsibilities often take priority to becoming involved and meeting others in your town. There are benefits to making the effort to form a closer connection to your home base and some easy ways to get more involved and to meet others.
Benefits of Social Connections
Research shows that increased social connections can lower blood pressure and decrease stress levels. People who are more social tend to be sick less and recover more quickly than those that have limited social ties. In a Reader's Digest article on the benefits of friendship, it states that "people with 6 or more types of relationships (close friends, co-workers, or exercise buddies) are 25% less likely to get sick than those with 3 or fewer types of relationships."
One way to increase the amount of social contacts and friendships you have is steps away from your door.
Become Involved in Your Town
Join the School PTO. If you have kids, becoming involved in the local PTO is a great opportunity for you to know what is happening in the school system while assisting in many fundraisers that directly benefit the school your child attends. Working on committees can help you form some bonds with other parents who have similar goals.
Search for a Playgroup. If your children are young, playgroups are a sure way for you to network with other moms and families with similar aged children. Playgroups not only are a social avenue for the kids, but the moms as well. You will often keep friendships formed within a playgroup for many years.
Join the Town's Newcomer's Group. Search for your local Newcomer's group, which can offer members a chance to meet up for a variety of events and activities such as dinner themed nights, wine tastings, walking groups, book clubs, golf outings, poker nights, community service projects and more. Often you will meet others to form friendships outside of club activities.
Take a Class. Whether your hobby and interests involve photography, fitness or cooking, there are many avenues to find a general interest class. Adult education centers, community colleges and recreation departments are good resources to begin your search. These classes are usually short term, so they work nicely for those who have time constraints. Developing a new skill or enhacing a current skill is a great way to meet others who also enjoy spending their time doing what you enjoy.
Start a Neighborhood Club. BUNCO is a very popular game that doesn't involve a big time commitment but brings people together for some fun. A book club is another easy neighborhood gathering that can meet every month that often becomes more about socialization than the book.
Join a Team. Do you like soccer, volleyball or basketball? Many towns or fitness centers have adult gym nights for you to come together to play a favorite sport.
Join a Church Group. If you belong to a church, chances are they have several service oriented groups that benefit the community and the church.
Serve on a Town Committee. Many towns look for volunteers to serve on their various committees to gain input from citizens, to organize events for the town, or to assist them in town planning.
Meeting regularly with a group in a fun setting and sharing similar interests or goals can lead to forming lasting friendships. You will be recognizing faces in the grocery store, coffee shop and library in no time. Don't just live in your community, be a part of it too.
