This time of year, when it is cold and dark it can be easy to slip into the routine of shuttering up in the house. As we begin moving into February-  International Friendship Month- it seems as good a time as any to explore the wellness benefits of socialization. According to the Mayo Clinic, friends are important in offering support through difficult times, and celebration during the good times. Interacting with friends helps to minimize loneliness and isolation for both parties. Friendships help to reduce stress, and increase self-worth, purpose in life, and happiness. Friends can also help to hold you accountable to make positive life changes. The Mayo Clinic further shares that healthy socialization helps to decrease BMI, rates of depression and blood pressure. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022).

There are many ways to meaningfully and safely socialize with family, friends and neighbors.  If you could use some friendly warmth please considering joining us for any of these programs, or simply call us. We’re here for you! If you have some warmth to share, consider sharing your light and good cheer by joining CCL in any / all of the following ways:

The Food Pantry – stop by the Food Pantry to socialize with the wonderful volunteers.

Stephanie Carney offers weekly complimentary reiki on Wednesdays in the CCL office space. Learn more about this opportunity.
For an appointment please contact Stephanie directly at carney.steph@gmail.com or by phone at 603-795-2419

Our Hour (by Zoom) – Tuesday, February 8th at 10:30am
An opportunity to share stories, memories, hopes and more. If you would like to participate please email info@cclyme.org or call 603-795-0603.

Galentine’s Day (by Zoom) – Sunday, February 13th. More details to come!
A celebration of female friendships and empowerment.

Always feel welcome to call CCL at 603-795-0603, we’re here for you and happy to have a conversation. Our cozy living room is open select hours for visiting too! Please give us a call to make sure someone is there.

Let us know how you’d like to help – volunteering is an incredibly rewarding way to socialize, make friends and share your light with others.

Work Cited:

Mayo Clinic Staff . “The Health Benefits of Good Friends.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860.

If you have a wellness themed topic you would like to share or learn more about, and/or blog/vlog about as an expert in a health/wellness related field, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org. 

Shelby Wood
Manager of Program Development
CommunityCare of Lyme
Shelby@cclyme.org
802-468-7776