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It may not come as a surprise that service members need a strong mind and body to meet mission demands. However, social fitness also plays an important part in your health and well-being. The quality of your relationships with others can impact multiple areas of your life, from military performance to overall health. Learn why having healthy relationships is important for mission readiness and find tips to help strengthen your current social networks.
THE BENEFITS OF HEALTHY SOCIAL TIES
Social fitness involves building and maintaining healthy social connections with others. Having close relationships with family members, friends, coworkers, and other service members is beneficial. When you feel supported in meaningful relationships, you are more equipped to focus on your military duties.
Strong friendships are also good for your overall health and may help:
Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
Encourage healthy lifestyle choices
Provide support during difficult times
Prevent loneliness
Reduce your stress
TIPS TO IMPROVE SOCIAL FITNESS
Whether deployed or at home, social networks can help you cope with the challenges of military life. However, as a service member, it can sometimes be challenging to build or maintain your relationships. Try these tips to help you stay close to your family, friends, and fellow service members.
Make Yourself Available. Building close relationships take time. Even with demanding or conflicting schedules, it is important to set aside time for relationships and to connect with others.
Stay Connected. At least once a day, check in with a family member, friend, coworker, or fellow service member. Text, call, video chat, or use social media to stay in touch if you are separated physically.
Attend Social Activities. Check out your Morale, Welfare and Recreation program (listed below) to find fun activities and meet new people. While deployed, try to spend some of your downtime around others – even if it's something as simple as playing a game of catch.
Develop Your Communication Skills. Communicate in a clear, confident, controlled and respectful way. During conversations, practice effective communication strategies like asking questions, showing empathy, and actively listening to others.
Build Trust. Strive to be honest and open in your relationships. To help your unit start to build group trust, find ways to have fun together, show vulnerability, and work to define your group's identity.
Show Up for Others. Look out for your friends. If you notice anyone isolating themselves, reach out to talk and try to draw them into group activities.
WHAT LINE LEADERS CAN DO
Line leaders play a significant role in helping service members develop strong bonds. They can help foster a sense of camaraderie and encourage supportive relationships through unit cohesion. Military leaders can also help service members develop individual social fitness by promoting a sense of purpose and a clear understanding and awareness of group mission. These tactics are just a few of the ways to build a stronger team.
As a leader, you can also spot problems early-on and intervene to prevent them from getting worse. If you notice a service member withdrawing from others, reach out and offer them support. Isolation may be a sign that someone is experiencing a psychological health concern or potentially dealing with relationship problems. By promoting strong psychological health, line leaders help service members and the unit thrive.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
-Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation for Soldiers | The Official Army Benefits Website (https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Morale-Welfare-and-Recreation-(MWR)?serv=120)
-Morale, Welfare & Recreation (navy.mil) (https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/Casualty/Benefits-and-Entitlements/Morale-Welfare-Recreation-MWR/)
-Morale, Welfare and Recreation for Service Members | An Official Air Force Benefits Website (af.mil) (https://myairforcebenefits.us.af.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Morale-Welfare-and-Recreation-(MWR)?serv=26)
-MWR Resources for the Marine Corps | Military OneSource (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/leaders-service-providers/morale-welfare-and-recreation/mwr-marine-corps/)
-Morale, Well-Being, and Recreation Program | Assistant Commandant for Human Resources (CG-1), U.S. Coast Guard (uscg.mil) (https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Community-Services-Command-CSC/MWR/)
-Staying Connected Infographic (https://www.health.mil/Reference-Center/Publications/2024/03/07/Staying-Connected)
-Military OneSource: Strengthen Your Coping Skills with Building Healthy Relationships Resources (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/building-healthy-relationships/)
Call 800-342-9647 or start a live chat (https://livechat.militaryonesourceconnect.org/webchat/) to schedule an appointment with a Building Healthy Relationships consultant.
SOURCES:
Holt-Lunstad J. (2021). Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors: The Power of Social Connection in Prevention. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2021;15(5):567-573. doi:10.1177/15598276211009454
opens "Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors" in a new windowHolt-Lunstad, J. (2021). The Major Health Implications of Social Connection. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 30(3), 251-259. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721421999630
opens "The Major Health Implications of Social Connection" in a new windowMayo Clinic. (2022, January 12). Friendships: Enrich your life and improve your health. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art -20044860
Military OneSource. (2019, December 21). Social Wellness. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/transition-retirement/national-guard-reserves/social-wellness/
National Institute on Aging. (2021, January 14). Loneliness and social isolation-tips for staying connected. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected
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| Date Taken: | 01.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2025 08:03 |
| Story ID: | 548207 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 7 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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