Resolve to build your social wellness this year

You, like many, may have thought about or already committed to a resolution for the new year. While the common resolutions for better physical fitness and weight loss still hold top spots going into 2024, a Forbes Health survey found that 25 percent of survey respondents resolve to make more time for loved ones in the new year—something that will strengthen your social wellness. If this is something topping your list, read on.

Build people connections.

While face-to-face connection with people is best, chances are your network isn’t just in one location. VoIP home phone service that includes a mobile app makes it easy to call your loved ones anytime and from anywhere. There are many different calling plans. For example, Ooma offers low international call rates and unlimited international calling for those in your network living around the world. Plus, with crystal-clear phone service quality, it will sound like your friends and family are in the next room, no matter where they are.

Keep the connection going.

If you’ve already made a point to call friends and talk with family over the holidays, the new year is the perfect opportunity to keep up the social connection and set a routine to talk on the phone regularly. If the initial call was tough for you to make or if you have telephonophobia—fear or anxiety associated with phone calls—you can overcome this by working with a trained therapist and some simple planning before making your next call. Things like jotting down questions for friends if there is a lull in the conversation are recommended steps you can take.

By scheduling time to make this social connection regularly, you are taking the next step in keeping relationship resolutions going and allowing yourself ample time to plan and prep for any anxiety-inducing calls.

Why pursue social wellness?

In a time when cell phones reign supreme, and it’s easy to fire off a text message, taking the time to actually talk on the phone can seem like a novelty or luxury. While texting is convenient and has many positives, it leaves out some crucial points of conversation and lacks the social connection that comes from hearing another’s voice. If you rely only on texting and not an actual human connection, it can lead to problems like disrupted sleep patterns, low self-esteem, and a weakened immune system.

On the flip side, a simple phone call that shares voice inflection, rate of speech, pauses, and the natural spontaneity of conversations can solidify the bond between the participants and create a sense of connection and belonging that positively impacts social wellness.

Who should you connect with?

Granted, meaningful phone calls take time. As you contemplate who to talk on the phone with, consider the past year:

• Who showed up for you?
• Who was the person who supported you during a challenging time?
• Who is the first person you called when you achieved something great?

These are the ones who are definitely phone-call worthy and deserve a few minutes for a personal chat.

Another thing to consider when making your list are the phone numbers you have memorized. These people tend to be who you can and should connect with. In a recent Ooma poll, the top phone numbers people have memorized include their spouse/significant other, parents, kids and grandchildren, and other family members. Friends fall slightly further down the list, but they’re important, too.

How will you deepen connections with those who mean most to you this year?

Now that you’ve dialed in on how and why to call your friends more often in the new year, there are ways to deepen your connections and improve your social wellness through phone calls. The next time you make a call to a loved one, consider:

One note—phone scammers are getting creative with the help of AI technology. A good rule of thumb is to let your loved one know it’s genuinely you on the phone and not a scammer by immediately sharing a piece of personal information on the call. Ooma home phone customers have a few additional tools they can use to avoid scammers.

Hanging it up

Making the resolution to pursue social connection and improve social wellness through regular phone calls to friends and loved ones is a noble resolution going into the new year. You and your loved ones will reap the benefits. Ooma can help with affordable home phone plans, international calling and crystal-clear sound quality.