Social Connection

Social Connection and Support

Positive social connection has a positive impact on both mental and physical health.

It increases patient’s willingness to do their physical therapy, helps coping and emotion regulation, and boosts feelings of belonging and self-efficacy. A surrounding positive social group promotes good mood too. Lack of social connectedness is a stressor for mental and physical health in a manner yet worse than getting poor sleep.

You or the athlete in your life should be surrounded by their most positive friends and family on a regular basis. Close, meaningful relationships should be prioritized as opposed to many casual friends.