How To Be More Social (Without Media): Part 2
Hello again. Last month we focused on building skills to help reduce anxiety around being social and to make it feel less intimidating. Hopefully you have been starting to hone some of those skills. Please click here for a reminder of how to start building those skills, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about them or are looking for more support around that piece.
In part II of our series on How To Be More Social (without the media), we will focus on different ideas and outlets where you can try to meet more people and work on those social skills you have been developing.
I think it’s important to take a minute and acknowledge that, even if you have been working to build your socialization skills, it can still feel intimidating to join a new group event or to meet new people. I recommend starting with a social event that has a built-in activity, giving you something to do, which can remove some of the awkwardness.
I suggest choosing an activity that offers a common interest you relate to in the hopes that you might connect with new faces who share this interest as a starting point.
Finally, please keep in mind that while finding meaningful connections and relationships can often feel challenging, the journey towards building these relationships is not only possible but also enriching for our mental and emotional well-being. So let’s dive in!
1. Local Workshops and Classes: Embrace Learning Together
One of the most natural settings to meet people with similar interests is in a learning environment. Whether it’s a cooking, photography, or pottery class, these gatherings provide a relaxed atmosphere where conversation flows freely around a shared passion.
2. Outdoor Activities and Adventure Groups: Connect with Nature and People
If you enjoy the great outdoors, consider joining a hiking club, a cycling group, or an outdoor fitness class (certainly no shortage here in Boulder!). These activities offer the double benefit of physical exercise and the chance to meet like-minded individuals. They can often be found through Facebook groups, local fitness stores, and community centers.
3. Volunteer for a Cause: Give Back and Grow Together
Volunteering not only contributes positively to your community but also puts you in touch with others who share your values and compassion. Whether it's helping out at a local shelter, participating in community clean-up days, or contributing to Humane Society, the experiences shared while volunteering can forge strong bonds of friendship.
4. Book Clubs and Discussion Groups: Stimulate Your Mind and Conversations
For those who love reading, book clubs offer a wonderful avenue to explore new ideas and perspectives while engaging in meaningful discussions. Plus it keeps you off screens more, as an added bonus. Local libraries and bookstores often host a variety of book clubs that cater to different genres and interests. If none of these ideas appeal to your interests, please reach out to us. Here at Tri-Wellness, we certainly have many other ideas to offer. Plus, be on the lookout for an exciting announcement in the next few weeks about even more ways we can help you be more social and make new friends!
Lisa Shanken
My passion is to help you live your healthiest and most harmonious life, but in a way that’s realistic and practical for you as a unique individual on this planet. My philosophy is all about “balance,” never a diet since a diet is not sustainable for life, aka Kill The Diet.