Meaningful, loving relatinoships vital to maintain social wellness Published Feb. 24, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Heather Heiney 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Editor's note: This is the eighth in a series of articles about personal wellness. Even the surly old man sitting on his front stoop scowling at passing vehicles and heckling dog walkers has a deep seeded need for human companionship. In the novel "Into the Wild," Alexander Supertramp makes a pivotal discovery after several months alone in the Alaskan wilderness, "Happiness is only real when shared." Whether it's a love, friendship or family connection, having someone to share your experiences, thoughts and feelings with is something everyone needs. Jackie Pope, airman and family readiness center chief, said, "Social wellness is the ability to balance work and life and have a network of friends to develop relationships and activities." Stepping back from work, school or household responsibilities and spending time with other people can be like recharging an empty battery. It can remind a person of the reason they put in all the hard work that they do in the first place. "It's extremely important to make time for fun because your mind needs that break from the day-to-day," Ms. Pope said. Anyone who spends most time alone can begin to question themselves and the world around them and start to foster resentment. Feelings and emotions can go unexpressed and this may lead an eventual breakdown. However, if people have a strong social network, they're more likely to go to someone when they are experiencing an increased level of stress or a major life change and that person can help them through it. "Social wellness is one of the key components to becoming more resilient and gives individuals the power to bounce back when something derails them," Ms. Pope said. No one can do everything by themself. Although a lot of people pretend that they can handle everything life throws at them, the reality is that they will begin to wear thin and have an increasingly more difficult time recovering from stress. Another good way of connecting to others is to help them. There is always something that can be done to help the community, other people or the environment. A list of volunteer opportunities for both on base and off base activities is sent out weekly from the airman and family readiness center. For more information, call the base volunteer coordinator, 377-5346. Although it can be nerveracking to let people get close because there's always the risk of being hurt, it's beneficial to overall well-being. "There are many avenues to foster social connections here on base," Ms. Pope said. The Bay Breeze Event Center, Vandenberg Community Center, youth center, Keesler Spouses Club, unit Key Spouses, the airman and family readiness center, arts and crafts center and fitness centers are just a few of the avenues available to the Keesler family. For a comprehensive list, log on to www.keeslerservices.us.