Wellness zone with Phyllis Ogo Ogah
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Hello once again, today, we will be looking closely at social wellness, its application in our society, and a personal evaluation scale. Social Wellness is about one's good ability to interact with people around them. It involves using communications skills, having meaningful relationships, our ability to establish and maintain positive relationships, respecting ones self and others,
and creating a support system that includes family members and friends and co-workers. A socially well individual sees the value in living harmoniously with fellow human beings, seeking positive, interdependent relationships with others, and developing healthy behaviors'. He does not look at his society from the racial, tribal and religious perspective; rather he embraces his society as one big happy family. It involves building close friendships and intimacy, practicing empathy and effective listening, caring for others and allowing others care for you.
In the African perspective, what quickly comes' to my mind is cohesion, and the popular Southern African word "Ubuntu". It buttresses the fact that as humans we cannot exist in isolation. It's all about interconnectedness and placing community values above one's self.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu defined "ubuntu" as "the essence of the human being" highlighting generosity and selflessness.
Dr. Nelson Mandela explained "ubuntu 'as a situation where a traveler stops by at a village and wouldn't have to ask for food and water, because he would be entertained on arrival.
In Botswana, the same concept exists, and the phrase "Botho" is one of the country's five national principles. "Motho ke motho ka batho", means that a person is a person through other people; it encourages people to applaud rather than resent those who succeed and grossly disapproves of antisocial, disgraceful, inhuman and criminal behavior.
In Malawi the same philosophy is called uMunthu. A popular saying is "Chichewa kali kokha nkanyama tili awiri ntiwanthu" meaning, when you are on your own you are as good as an animal of the wild; but when you are two you form a community.
In Igboland, social wellness is encouraged in a popular baby song that says "onye nulu akwa nkwa mee ngwa ngwa,na owughi ofu onye nwe nwa". Literarily it means that who ever hears the cry of a baby should rush to find out why, because a baby does not belong to one person.
The Holy Bible (Positive Thinking Bible) says in the book of Leviticus 19:33 it says "Don't mistreat any foreigners who live in your land. Instead, treat them as well as you treat citizens and love them as you love yourself. Remember you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God".
In the Arba'una Hadith 15, related by Abu Hurairah, narrated by Bukhari and Muslim. It says "Man kana yuu minu billahi walyaumil aakhir falyukrimul jaarahu, wamankana yu'uminu billahi walyaumil aakhir falyukrimul daifahu." If you believe in Allah and the last day you honor your neighbour, if you believe in Allah and the last day you honour your visitor'.
Facts and Tips:
Socially isolated people are more susceptible to illness and have a death rate two or three times higher than those who are not socially isolated.
People who maintain their social network and support systems do better under stress.
Touching, stroking and hugging can improve health because it floods us with the hormone oxytocin and feel good endorphins, and helps in alleviating pain and stress. A daily dose of oxytocin can also help in protecting us from heart disease.
Cholesterol levels go up when human companionship is lacking.
Warm, close friendships cause higher levels of immunoglobin A (an antibody that helps keep away respiratory infections and cavities).
A strong social network enhances one's self esteem.
Improvement Tips.
Practicing self disclosure
Discovering personal needs and pursuing things and people who nurture those needs.
Interacting with the supportive people around you.
ASSESMENT.
Read each statement carefully and respond honestly by using the following scoring;
1. I contribute time and/ or money to social and community projects.
2. I am committed to a lifetime of service
3. I exhibit equity in dealing with people
4. I have a strong network of close friends and/ or family.
5. I am interested in others including those from diverse backgrounds from mine
6. I am able to balance the needs of others and mine.
7. I am able to communicate and get along with a wide variety of people.
8. I obey societal rules and laws.
9. I am a compassionate person and I try to help others when I can.
10. I support family, neighborhood and work social gatherings.
Total score for Social Wellness Dimension
Score interpretation
15 to 20 points- Excellent Strength
9 to 14 points-There is room for improvement.
0 to 8 points-You need to work hard.
Keep moving
Phyllis
