Wellness goals

Maintaining relationships with others


Humans are first and foremost relational beings. Being surrounded by people with whom we feel good and whom we can count on is essential to wellness and to mental health. That network may include members of our families, friends and colleagues at work.



Developing our networks

Our network of relationships may be small or it may have disintegrated with the passing of time. No matter the reasons, we have a fundamental need to be in contact and in a relationship with others. Of course, we may feel the need to be alone sometimes, but we still have an interest in entering into contact with others and in creating a network that will meet our needs and contribute to our wellness.


Developing a network is easy for some and difficult for others, who may be timid or may have less skill at entering into contact with other people. People in the second category can set small goals to start with: small steps often amount to victories that are a source of learning, which gives us the desire to do it again.


Maintaining relationships that make us feel good

Taking care of relationships that are important to us is the most beautiful gift we can offer ourselves. We’re better off investing in our relationships with the people who are dear to us, reserving moments to spend some time with them and figuring out ways to be in regular contact with them. It can be an outing, a meal at a restaurant, a phone call, sending an e-mail... And above all, keeping things simple by remembering that what is essential is the quality of the relationship.


And what about social networking?

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube… When properly used, these digital supports can be beneficial by allowing us to maintain relationships and share information with friends. On the other hand, when we completely abandon our “human” network and put all our energies into our “virtual” network, our wellness may be threatened. Let it be said, hundreds of friends on Facebook can’t replaced the few friends we’re comfortable discussing things face to face and sharing a good meal with!


Courses of action »»





The “Wellness and stress” section was produced in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association and thanks to the support of