GUEST POST: Social Networks Beat Stress
I cannot and should not be cured of my stress, but merely taught to enjoy it. – Hans Selye While the economy is one source of stress for many people these days, it is only one of many. When I talk to friends, I hear, “I’m not getting enough sleep. I can’t get away from the television (or the computer), I don’t want to miss anything that’s happening.” Or, “There just aren’t enough hours in the day…” And forget about the conversations with my friends who are parents. That’s another whole topic.
There’s no denying it. It is everywhere. Every person I meet is talking about it. I can’t seem to avoid it. IT – is NOT the economy, stupid. IT is stress.
The Stress Institute says that stress is the epidemic of the 21st century.
The American Institute of Stress defines it as “a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.”
We live in a world where our ability to connect with others is limitless. The Internet and social networking provide us with a means of connecting with others that may help with reducing our stress. Abraham Maslow, the American psychologist most well known for the “hierarchy of human needs,” described the “sense of belonging” as one of the social needs that is core to our self-actualization.
Perhaps it is no surprise that social networking has exploded in recent years. It provides a way of connecting with like-minded individuals instantly. It doesn’t matter if you want to find a date, play scrabble on-line, learn photography or find others to go kayaking with. A social network on almost any topic is a few clicks away.
Research shows that bonding results from these interactions and creates a feeling of belonging and connectedness. The effects of stress are lessened through such interpersonal relationships and strong support systems.
So whether you are Skyping, Twittering, or texting, be grateful for the interactions your social network provides, and use it as a way to lessen the impact of the stress that is going around.
Mari Ryan is a friend of mine, and CEO of AdvancingWellness, in the Boston area. AdvancingWellness delivers custom designed worksite wellness programs, empowering healthy lifestyles for employees of small & medium-sized businesses.
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Comments
Interesting - I actually think it's all the social networking, blogging, tweeting, etc. that's eating away my spare time and creating the stress...
Posted by: corinnew | November 6, 2008 09:48 PM
> When I talk to friends, I hear, “I’m not
> getting enough sleep. I can’t get away from
> the television (or the computer), I don’t want
> to miss anything that’s happening.” Or, “There
> just aren’t enough hours in the day…”
And you are suggesting to get glued to your computer through social networking sites?
Human beings are social beings and these sites are no substitutes for the real interaction you get from physical contacts.
Shut the computer/television and get out!
Posted by: Vishal | Stress Management Forum | November 6, 2008 11:43 PM
I agree with the comments above in that internet and text messaging takes a person away from the social interactions that count. It can be used as a medium to meet new people, but the best thing to do is to see the people you enjoy in person. It can be used sparingly to meet people but don't forget to get out there into the real world!
Posted by: JLH | November 10, 2008 08:15 PM
Nice article.
I agree social networks build connections and help with stress. Example? I'm doing nanowrimo this year. None of my close "real-life" friends (whose careers are in nursing, finance and office administration) have ever heard of it. But online I can follow other writers, tweet with them, and we can empathize with each other.
I can also keep updated on high school friends I never see in person-except maybe every 5 years at class reunions.
There's no doubt people who have a supportive community can manage stress better. Social networks are communities-it's just these communities are built on shared history (facebook classmates) and shared interests (nanowrimo forums) rather than physical location.
If you can find people in your own neighborhood who do what you do, like what you like and share all your interests-that's great. Enjoy! The rest of us will use online social networks.
Posted by: lfamous | November 10, 2008 10:16 PM
I definitely agree with the experts here. Not only do social media sites provide a place to bond and connect, but they provide a form of leisure for their users. Who doesn't feel relaxed when doing a leisure activity of their choice? With the added stress in our lives today, it's nice to be able to incorporate some "e-leisure" when other ways of relieving stress don't seem so tangible.
Posted by: Casey | November 11, 2008 12:29 AM