Today we’re chatting with Jill Kittle, a women’s wellbeing advocate and co-founder of This is the Tonic, about why she believes everyone should be a member of a supportive community.

Hi, Jill! If you could recommend One Good Thing everyone can do to improve their mental health, what would it be?

Go out there, find your people and actively participate in a supportive community. Create genuine connections, share experiences, learn from others and embrace a sense of belonging.

Why is this your One Good Thing?

In a world where we are more connected than ever, reports of loneliness have never been higher. There exists an underlying sense of disconnection that isn’t fulfilling our need for genuine human interaction and meaningful relationships.

In addition, as women, we can all agree we often prioritise the needs of others before our own. Prioritising our personal wellbeing in a communal setting creates a ripple effect of positive change. I’ve witnessed the transformative power of community in my own life and the lives of many others. 

How does your One Good Thing work?

As social beings, the human inclination towards community is deeply rooted in our biology. Taking it back to the early days, humans thrived in groups as they provided safety, resource sharing and collaborative defence against threats. Because of these deep roots, the human brain is wired to seek social connections. The release of neurotransmitters like oxytocin during social interactions not only enhances feelings of trust and bonding but also contributes to stress reduction.

In fact, research indicates that being part of a community fosters a sense of purpose, lowers stress levels and positively influences our mental wellbeing. That even goes for the most introverted and unsociable of us! Surround yourself with people that reflect who you want to be and how you want to feel. Energies are contagious.

What are the benefits of finding this community?

Being part of something bigger is such a fulfilling experience. Having a sense of belonging, creating shared adventure, the opportunity to make life-long friends and experiencing collective growth all make life more rewarding.

Not only this, if you look at the statistics around happiness and the science behind what makes people live long and enjoyable lives, it consistently points back to community. It’s having the right people surrounding you who light you up and serve as a source of inspiration. 

Where do we go wrong when looking for community?

Online interactions offer a convenient way to communicate on the go, allowing us to delve into niche topics with like-minded people instantly from every corner of the world. However, the allure of in-person interaction and genuine connection will always remain irreplaceable. Beyond the confines of a keyboard, the world awaits with authentic encounters, so don’t just confine yourself to the glow of a screen!

It’s also important to keep in mind that finding your ideal tribe might not happen on the first try, and that’s completely OK. If a community doesn’t quite match your vibe initially, don’t be disheartened; these things take time. On the flip side, don’t be too quick to throw in the towel. Building connections and discovering your perfect community can be a journey of exploration and patience. So, give it a good go, immerse yourself and allow the process to unfold.

How do you personally do your one good thing?

On a personal note, I discovered my tribe by creating my own free women’s wellbeing community, The Retreat. It’s a safe space to motivate, support and inspire like-minded women in a non-judgmental setting. There’s accountability through monthly challenges, juicy discussions around the question of the week and an exchange of wellbeing tips and inspiration. As our community grows, the excitement builds at the prospect of our first in-person event, which will be a momentous milestone in our collective journey.

How has doing your One Good Thing changed your life?

It’s no exaggeration that being part of a supportive community, which I’m so passionate about, has profoundly changed my life. Not only has it provided me with a sense of purpose, but it has also allowed me to show up on a regular basis to prioritise my wellbeing and build meaningful connections by surrounding myself with people whose values align with my own.

There are people out there who resonate with your story, your struggles and your triumphs. So, don’t hesitate; go and find your tribe!

Frame Of Mind is Stylist’s home for all things mental health and the mind. From expert advice on the small changes you can make to improve your wellbeing to first-person essays and features on topics ranging from autism to antidepressants, we’ll be exploring mental health in all its forms. You can check out the series home page to get started.

Images: Adobe