It’s well known that physical activity is vital for good health, the same way we should eat a balanced diet, avoid too much exposure to sunlight, and take care of our dental health. However, it is just as important to ensure you are leading an active social life in order to ensure positive mental health and to ward off cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Leading a healthy social life can benefit many aspects of both your physical and mental health, from improving your ability to recover from stress and anxiety, to being more likely to get involved in physical activity and maintain a healthy weight, improve your sleep and quality of life, and prevent other chronic diseases.
In today’s busy 21st century life, it can be difficult to maintain a social life as well as uphold every other responsibility we have such as being parents and holding down a job. However, there are little things you can do to ensure you are taking the time to look after your own wellbeing too.
Let’s take a look at some of these exciting social activities to try out in 2023 below.
Change up your look
Sometimes we can get stuck in a rut and be left feeling a little low about ourselves. However, it’s surprising how much a mini pamper session, a shopping trip, or a new hair-do can change the way you feel. Why not grab a friend and head over to the nail salon for a mani-pedi, or visit the website for your local spa and see if they have any offers on for half days or evening sessions.
You could also plan an exciting shopping trip with friends or even take the kids along for a day of fun.
Host an at-home casino night
There’s no better way to gather with friends than by hosting a casino games night from the comfort of your own home. From blackjack to roulette, or if you’re looking for something a little more light hearted and simple, why not try megaway slots at Bally’s Casino UK for a fun filled night where no one has to get dressed up if they don’t want to, and bonuses and jackpot prizes are in abundance.
One of the great things about online slots is that you don’t need to have any prior knowledge of casino games or develop a strategy to win. Simply get your friends to show up, use a HDMI cable to get the game up on the big screen, prepare some snacks and cocktails and you’re all set for a fantastic night in with friends.
Do a pet event
Do you have friends that are huge fans of their pet? Why not host a pet day where you can all get together and spend time with each other and your furry friends. It might be best to establish whether you’re hosting a feline or canine event as the day could quickly turn to chaos if friends are turning up with dogs and cats!
Perhaps host a pet picnic with your dogs in the park, this way they will have plenty of space to run around and chase each other without causing too much destruction. If it’s smaller animals like cats, rabbits or guinea pigs, get the kids involved and hold a pet pamper session where the pets get treats and mini spa treatments.
And if you don’t have a pet, why not look up the nearest dog or cat cafe and meet some friends there for a coffee.
Host a cooking showdown
Enjoy cooking? Why not host a cooking showdown or your very own Come Dine with Me evening, where you cook up a treat for friends. Not only is this a fun way to get your friends over for a social evening, it will get your adrenaline pumping and put some heat on as your cooking skills are put to the test. As they say, a small amount of pressure is great for your health.
Let your friends return the favor too and attend their cooking showdown evening a few weeks later. You’ll soon find out who the best chef is and who will be hosting for the rest of the foreseeable future.
Plan a work team wellness event
If work is all feeling a bit stressful, why not talk to the HR department about arranging a team wellness day. Studies show that more than 80 percent of workers in the age bracket of 18 to 44 would choose an increase in benefits over a pay raise, and adding in wellness days throughout the year would benefit everyone greatly.
The wellness event could include a corporate sports day where everyone can embrace their inner child and get involved in games like an egg and spoon race, beanbag throwing or a hula hoop competition. Alternatively, you could negotiate with everyone being given a credit to use on a wellbeing activity of their choice such as a yoga session, a beauty treatment, or even a good book that soothes the mind.
Now that you’ve got a whole bunch of ideas for social gatherings, it’s time to stop reading and start planning your own.