“We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibres, our actions run as causes and return to us as results” – Herman Melville on social wellbeing

How many times have you said the phrase “how are you” today? We all hold the purpose of checking in with our loved ones and colleagues but when life gets busy that intention can be pulled away from the humble phrase. Every year on RUOK day we are reminded to have meaningful conversations with the people in our lives. We are reminded to re-sew that invisible thread that connects us to our neighbours.

We are deeply social creatures and chronic feelings of loneliness can lead to depression and social anxiety. In the worst-case scenario, this may lead to suicide, which is what RUOK day raises money to avoid. 

A recent survey has found that one in four Australians report feeling lonely for three or more days of the week. Now is a better time than any to start intentionally nurturing our social wellbeing. Social wellbeing is the sense of belonging that you feel in your community. The feeling of social inclusion is something that we are passionate about creating at Myall. 

Here are 5 tips on how to nurture your social wellbeing this RUOK day:

1. Connect with someone new in your office

RUOK day is also a day to reach out a hand to those who might be struggling without a support system. One in 10 Australians currently lacks social support so there is a good chance that someone in your day to day could use a few kind words. 

2. Release some endorphins and do a workout class with your friends

Working out with your friends can bring you closer together, help you stay consistent, and reap more results. A study has found that 95 percent of those who started a weight-loss program with friends completed the program. RUOK day is a great opportunity to bring a friend along to a yoga class at Myall. All non-members are able to enter on a $10 donation. If post-yoga chats over coffee isn’t a good environment to get into the nitty-gritty then we don’t know what is.

3. Go on a dog date

Sometimes it’s hard to break the ice on difficult conversations. We suggest getting your furry friends together and going on a walk with your mates. The presence of dogs and some fresh air can help you and your loved ones feel more open to talking about topics like mental health.

4. Do a group meditation 

Meditating with your friends, family and colleagues can be an incredibly powerful tool to open doors of communication. On RUOK day we have three 30 minute guided meditation sessions for you to choose from – 11 am, 12 midday and 3 pm. All of these meditations will be based around mental wellbeing. What a great excuse to take a long lunch and dedicate half an hour to just being with yourself and your loved ones.

5. Get goofy with your friends and have a sing along

Recently there has been a lot of research into the effect of singing on our brain chemistry. Singing in choir enhances our sense of happiness and wellbeing with 96% of choir participants reporting less stress and 86% reporting reduced loneliness. Whether you’re a Florence Foster Jenkins or a Whitney Houston, singing in a group is a powerful tool for wellbeing. We are so excited to welcome Born to Sign in to our studio on RUOK day to lead a pop-up choir at 4 pm.

Join us at Myall on Thursday the 12th of September as we celebrate social wellbeing and raise money for suicide prevention. It’s the perfect day to bring your partner, colleague, friend or parent with all non-members entering on a $10 donation to Beyond Blue. We ask that members donate a gold coin for the cause. 

As well as our usual classes we have two additional 30-minute meditation classes at 11 am and 3 pm. We also have some fun events planned to support your physical, spiritual, and social wellbeing. Join us for a healthy breakfast at 8.30am served up by the delicious No Toast. From 2.30 to 5 pm bring your colleagues by for a neck and shoulder massage by Mel in the studio lounge. Finish your day with our pop up choir lovingly hosted by Born to Sing at 4-4.45pm. 

We are so excited to host you on RUOK day! Make sure you secure your spot through our app so you don’t miss out on joining us as we work towards a happier and healthier community.

Blog lovingly written by Mikaela Moretti

BOOK YOUR RUOK CLASS HERE