Although you may not be acutely aware of it, your social environment could very well be negatively affecting your health. If you frequently go out drinking, eating unhealthy meals or taking unnecessary risks with your friends, your overall health is much more at stake than is someone's who doesn't participate in these activities.
That isn't to say that you can never have fun with your friends.
Of course, you can. But, the key to remaining healthy is to take risks in moderation. If you don't, your health (mental
and physical) will generally start to deteriorate... probably sooner rather than
later.
Comparison
Issues
For some individuals, their social environment leads to comparison
issues, which negatively affect their health. Almost everyone wants to be
successful. Right? There's definitely not anything wrong with that. But, when
you're out with friends who are talking about their most recent accomplishments
and even bragging a little, it's easy to start comparing yourself to others. This
can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Dating
A big part of one's social environment is dating. Almost everyone
has the desire to meet that one special person who they can spend the rest of
their life with. Due to the ever-growing popularity of social media, it's
easier to meet people than ever before... even if you're a bit introverted.
Dating can have a major impact, health-wise, in the event of an
unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease. It's important to keep
these things in mind before embarking on any type of physical relationship.
It's not difficult to stay safe.
The
Role of Social Media
Social media plays a big role in this scenario. For many people,
it's just plain addictive. A recent study indicates that 63 percent of
Americans login to Facebook at least once a day. Forty percent of that number
of users check their account several times a day. The fact that social media
often times glamorizes alcohol and drug use makes it harder for some people to
"just say no."
It's also interesting to note that many diehard social media users
have wider mood swings and are unhappier than users who don't participate as
frequently.
Believe it or not, this addiction is so common that researchers have
created the "Berge Facebook Addiction Scale." This scale uses six
types of criteria to measure an individual's level of addiction. Answering
"yes" to 4 out of 6 of the criteria questions indicates a problem.
Unfortunately, some people feel pressured into doing things that
their friends do, just to remain "part of the crowd." Don't let the
same thing happen to you. On the other hand, if you enjoy doing some of these
things, you may want to think about slowing down. It's never too late to take
steps to improve your health. Remember, it won't make you a social outcast.
It'll make you a healthier person and a more cautious friend. What could be
better than that?
Fact: Yes, it's true - your social environment can negatively affect
your health. This important information helps to explain why.
Picture: Pixabay
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Is Your Social Environment Negatively Affecting Your Health?
Reviewed by Juilal
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Reviewed by Juilal
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