Humans are social animals – being with others is essential to our mental and physical health.
Research shows that people who socialize more often:
- Live longer
- Have fewer health problems, such as heart disease or obesity
- Have lower levels of inflammation
- Are less likely to have anxiety or depression
- Are happier overall
How do I kick-start my social connectedness?
The goal is to meet or call at least two friends or family members each day for 30 days.
Meeting face-to-face and spending quality time together are ideal, but when that’s not possible, phone calls are great, too.
What might keep you from connecting?
Here are a few challenges you might come across, and tips on how to overcome them:
Stepping out of your comfort zone
Engaging in social connectedness may mean you’ll have to step out of your comfort zone, and that can be a challenge. For example, smiling at strangers on the street or talking on the phone may make some people uncomfortable. If that’s true for you, we invite you to give it a try. The more you practice this, the easier it gets!
Time
Busy schedules can make it hard to find time to connect face-to-face.
Perfection is not the goal.
Be kind to yourself as you begin making these changes. Change can be challenging. If you miss a day or two, shake it off, regroup, and keep going!