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How to Make an Online Life Contribute to Your Healthy Lifestyle
Socializing via the Internet — or having an online life — is becoming ever more popular, and for good reason. Though it takes on different meaning for different people, there are some definite assets to using this relatively new resource to enhance our well-being.
Information and support: Research is showing that social health support networks can provide a good source of information, as well as psychological and social support. Look for a community that has a medical professional involved, which will add to its legitimacy. But remember, these sites are not meant to replace face-to-face advice from your doctor.
Training ground for learning trust: Sometimes you may be more comfortable sharing details of your life with people you know online but don't ever have to encounter offline. However, a lesson you may learn along the way is that your online community of friends may give you the confidence to trust offline friends. If online friends can be accepting of even your most embarrassing of topics, you should gradually try opening up in the same way to your friends and family in your "real" life. It's important to remember that online friends can offer you support and a portal to get something off your chest, but that can't replace a physical hug from a friend.
Access to friends when offline friendships are difficult: Online relationships can take on an important role for those who are physically unable to leave their home or who are uncomfortable in social situations. We are social beings who need interaction with others for our mental and emotional health. An online community of friends can provide an opportunity to interact with others without having to go anywhere. It's also a safe place for a socially shy person to feel comfortable to be themselves. Again, this can provide a training ground for trusting people enough to interact with them in the offline world.
On-call friendships: Have you ever had the need to chat about something in the middle of the night? Chances are your friends are enjoying their sleep but there may be someone up online. Blog, tweet or have your say in whichever online community you belong to. Someone may read what you've written and respond with some valuable support or criticism. If no one responds to your midnight vent, at the very least, you may feel better than if you had tossed and turned all night keeping your problem in your head.
All within good reason
Remember that online relationships should not replace offline friends. Use your online interactions to enhance your life, and set limits to the amount of time you will spend online before rejoining your offline world.
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