SOCIALISING

Socialising takes on different forms for everyone, so it’s unsurprising that Google doesn’t agree on a definition either. Some of us love one-on-one time over an oat flat white, whilst others a bustling pre-drinks and onto a festival. One element of socialising can be agreed upon however, it is something we need in order for happy and well-rounded lives.  For those living in London, you can literally socialise in any way you fancy. Pottery classes, bottomless brunches, axe throwing, escape rooms – it’s taken on many forms in recent years. You probably do not need science to confirm this but evidence shows: engaging in enjoyable activities can be an especially powerful antidote to stress. And with the unpredictable nature of this crazy and beautiful world we live in, finding some escapism in the form of a group painting class or a themed event night can really help us de-stress and chill out. 

As the days get warmer and the evenings get lighter, socialising moves to picnics on the nearby green that last until the sun goes down, brunches on ‘patios’ (yes, a seat squeezed onto the front of a restaurant counts in London), bank holiday festivals and any excuse to day drink Aperol Spritz. Summer is approaching, and we’ll embrace it even if it’s raining (we’re British after all!). The longer, warmer days are proven to boost mood, particularly after all those months being vitamin D deficient. Pass by any outdoor London space and It is clear that the summer months are good for your health and happiness. A post-covid world has seen us crave social interaction possibly more than ever before in our lifetimes; that niggling feeling that we’ve missed out on a year or so of our lives. 

So, looking onwards and upwards, planning your summer social calendar will ensure you make the most of our first (almost) normal summer in a few years. Research suggests that having close connections to friends and family, and participating in meaningful social interaction, may help people maintain some key cognitive skills throughout life. So basically, being a part of a strong community fosters both emotional and physical health. What does socialising look like for you? Get down to that brunch spot, join a member’s club, start running with your local run club or book that restaurant for you and your mates. Whatever it is, if it makes your heart happy keep it up, fall in love with London’s endless opportunities and create that summer you’ve been dreaming of.