Getting Involved in Your Local Community: A Crucial Element of Vitality

Our quality of life is strongly influenced by our overall health; thus, it makes sense that same with physical health, mental health should also be taken care of and maintained. 

Did you know that people who are more socially connected to family, friends, and their community are happier and physically healthier?  According to the Mental Health Foundation, it is not the number of friends nor the number of groups you have, but it’s the quality of your relationships that matters! 

Many of us engage with our friends and family frequently, having strong connections with them,  but how can we deepen our ties with our community?

A community, to most people, is a group of individuals who have something in common- it may be religion, geography, passion, interest, or profession. But it’s not as simple as that! Community is a feeling- feeling that you’re connected with others, feeling that you are accepted for who you are, and feeling supported.

We are social beings, and we are not to live in isolation! We need a community to survive, especially if we are already exhibiting signs of loneliness and isolation.

If you’re feeling a little lonely, you’re not alone!  Here’s a list of various communities around you that you can connect with! 

Newton Neighbors

Join Newton Neighbors! It is a community-based, volunteer-led, mutual aid network that was launched in March 2020. Their mission is to facilitate community connection, mutual aid, and access to resources and support for all people who live, work, pray, or study in Newton MA, and other local communities! You can join their Facebook community! Check out their activities quickly and work on building relationships with your neighbors!

Hobby-Focused Clubs

Looking for events and classes related to your hobbies and interests? You can find something on Eventbrite whether you’re a local, new to the area, or just traveling through. You can check out the most recent seminars and events in your area by clicking this link! 

You can also find hobby-focused clubs on Facebook! If you type in the search bar what you’re interested in, you’ll be able to see local groups for the hobbies you love.

Spiritual Organizations

Everyone is welcome in Massachusetts, where the religious landscape is highly diversified. Here’s a list of local religious institutions:

• StoryHeights Church– If you are into upbeat, modern music as well as inspirational and helpful instructional messages, visit this place! This church is said to be the friendliest in the neighborhood! 
• Temple Shalom of Newton– Temple Shalom of Newton is a diverse Reform Jewish neighborhood with members from across MetroWest Boston. The LGBTQ community, persons with disabilities, those in quest of meaning, as well as people from traditional and non-traditional backgrounds, interfaith families, Jews by choice, and Jews of color are all warmly welcomed by this organization.
• Morning Star Zen Sangha- Living Vow Zen meditation is practiced by the Morning Star Zen Sangha. Zen is a traditional Buddhist technique that unveils our inborn knowledge and compassion. The mission of Morning Star is to support our awakening, mindfulness practice, and appreciation of life. Good thing, everyone is welcome here!
• Saint Ignatius of Loyola– People who have been here claim that the community is kind and welcoming, the music and choir are superb, the clergy is engaging, and the church itself is magnificent!
• Yusuf Mosque– Everyone is welcome at this mosque. Whether they be children, adults, or students. Every age group can get involved in activities at the masjid! 

Volunteering

One of the best ways to get involved in your community is by volunteering! Not only do you get to help your community become a better place, you get to meet new people along the way. Check out this website for local volunteer opportunities in Newton, MA.

Along with the items on the above-mentioned list, you might also want to consider spending time with your alumni network or even your colleagues! Just make sure you’re in a group with like-minded individuals who inspire you! It’s important to surround yourself with people who lift you up, not put you down! 

Health isn’t just physical! And in fact, some of the things we struggle with mentally are due to our physical actions. If you don’t want to leave your home, suffer from severe anxiety, or can’t get out of bed, you can see our providers at Five Journeys via Telehealth.

Stop waiting, take care of your mental and physical health today!

Sources: 

https://newtoncommunitypride.org/newton-neighbors-helping-neighbors/#

https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Religious+Organizations&find_loc=Newton%2C+MA