Feeling low with hardly any friends around? Step out of your comfort zone, and go out and connect with people.

W hen someone asks, "What have you been up to lately?", do you follow the question with a long silence which is often embarrassing? Do you often feel like everyone you know has a more active and exciting life than you and that you're somehow missing out on all the fun?
As we get older, our responsibilities pile up and sometimes it gets difficult to take out enough time to maintain friendships and meet new people. You may be used to spending your weekends home alone watching a movie or reading your favourite book. But if you wish to change the situation, you will have to make a few adjustments. Moreover, if you have a good social life, you get a lot of opportunities to engage yourself in fun activities which not only have positive results on your mood but even on your health.

Here's how to rev up your social life without much difficulty:

Accept invitations
Let's face it. After a long day at work, we all crave the couch, but too many nights in it can sabotage your social life. In case you do not have time to plan events, at least you can accept the invitations instead of just refusing them. If you stop socializing completely, one day people might stop inviting you thinking you're not interested in any social activity. So make it a point to attend certain events, even if you have to force yourself to do so. Atleast try saying a yes.

Boost existing bonds

We often take our closest friends and relatives for granted assuming they will always be with us, no matter what. So, avoid doing that. The mo re you make an effort, the more others will, too. If your friend doesn't try to stay in touch, you can give her a call and ask her to come shopping with you. If you do not take a step towards enhancing a relationship, do not expect others to do the same.

What are social networking websites for?

Social networking websites are a great way to strengthen and refresh old ties. We are lucky to have such modern facilities that help us get in touch with our loves ones. Our ancestors were devoid of such communication mediums. To start getting to know someone again, all you have to do is drop them a message - if they don't answer then it won't matter, but if they do then you can start to build on your old friendship and if things go well maybe start enjoying life together again.

Make your social life a priority

For most us, our social life only comes after our job, family and spouse. But it's not that you have to compromise with any of the above to make your social life a priority. It depends on how you balance things. Make a point to call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while to stay in touch with him/her. Is it going to take a lot of your time? The answer is 'obviously not'.