How Being a Good Neighbor is Good for Your Health
By Brandi Swieter
National Good Neighbor Day is celebrated in September, giving people a reason to do something kind for the person next door. You don’t need a national day as an excuse though. Being a good neighbor is good for your health, making it beneficial to do any day of the year. Anyone living near others should do better to be friendly and courteous.
A Positive Environment Promotes Health
Living in a negative environment with frequent hostility between neighbors leads to feelings of stress, tension, and unhappiness. Over time, this could lead to health problems, such as trouble sleeping, feeling nauseous, and headaches. On the opposite end, a positive environment promotes health. Those who feel happy and well with their neighbors are less likely to suffer from symptoms of stress because of them.
Social Interactions Provide a Cognitive Boost
Interacting socially with others works for providing a cognitive boost. Those who speak with others regularly and engage in chit-chat are more likely to experience improved mental clarity and keep a strong mind than those who keep to themselves.
Delaying Declining Health
Health starts to decline as people age. Keeping relationships and having a social network is one way to delay this decline and keep health as well as possible for years to come. Those who spend time with others in their neighborhood or with other friends are more likely to remain active and well for longer. Anyone who doesn’t currently speak with their neighbors often should do more to engage with them. Throwing a block party or simply showing up with some baked goods could be a good step.
Easing Symptoms of Depression
Individuals who keep to themselves and have no social relationships tend to be depressed. They feel anxious, alone, and down. Getting out into the neighborhood and finding at least one person to socialize with could help to ease the symptoms of depression. It leads to an increase in mood and boost in overall happiness.
Being a good neighbor should occur whether or not it leads to improved health. The fact that it does, however, is a great incentive. Everyone in a neighborhood with people nearby should do their best to be friendly and courteous so those behaviors are reciprocated. When someone comes knocking for a cup of sugar, don’t turn down the request. Give them a cup and strike up a conversation while you’re at it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Decatur, Ga.