Widen your circle during Social Wellness Month

With July being Social Wellness Month, it’s a perfect time to assess your social circle, learn how to strengthen it and commit to meeting new people. As a child who attended school, participated in after-school activities and enjoyed different hobbies, it was often easier to make a new friend. But as we age, making friends can get harder. Our lives pull us in different directions, and if we aren’t intentional with our time, even the friends we have can drift away. According to the American Psychological Association, a network of friends can reduce the likelihood of feeling sad, being lonely or experiencing low self-esteem. While there are no recommendations on how wide one’s social circle should be, it’s important to evaluate whether the friends you have are fulfilling your needs for support and connection. As you reflect on your current circle, ask yourself: • Do I feel supported? • Are they helping me grow? • Do they challenge me in a positive way? If you answered “yes” to these questions, chances are you already have the start of a great social circle. If you answered “no” to some of these questions, maybe it is time to expand. Volunteering can offer a quick way to meet likeminded people who have similar interests. One volunteer program available through Texas Health and Human Services Commission is the Foster Grandparent Program. The Foster Grandparent Program provides an opportunity for people aged 55 and older who meet program income guidelines to serve children with special needs or who are in circumstances that limit their academic, social or emotional development. Volunteers share their time and talents as role models, mentors and friends to the children they serve. Foster grandparents build one-on-one relationships with each child, providing trust and unconditional support. Volunteers receive a monthly, tax-free stipend and can serve from 15 to 40 hours a week. Throughout the program, volunteers also attend monthly in-service sessions and participate in community events. Visit the