Social connection and our wellbeing

Did you know that people who have strong social connections are happier and healthier? Recent studies show that having good relationships with others is important for our wellbeing. Over the last few years, many of us have stayed apart from family and friends because of social distancing. But what effect has this had on us? 

What is social connection? 

Social connection means feeling close and having a sense of belonging with other people. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what your gender is, or where you come from—everyone needs to feel connected. When we have positive relationships, we feel happy and safe. 

How do we feel connected? 

We feel connected when we interact with people around us. This could be in person, on the phone or online. These interactions might be with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors or others in our community. 

Why is social connection important? 

The Covid-19 pandemic showed us how important social connection is. When we couldn’t see our loved ones, many of us felt stressed, lonely and isolated. Having good social relationships can do more than just make us feel happy. They can also improve our mental, emotional and physical health. People with strong social connections tend to have: 

  • Lower levels of anxiety and depression 
  • Higher self-esteem 
  • Greater empathy for others 
  • Stronger immune systems 
  • A lower risk of developing dementia 
  • Longer lives 

How does social connection impact heart health? 

Staying connected can also be good for your heart. When we have lower anxiety and depression, our heart health improves. Studies show that people over 50 who feel lonely have a 27% higher risk of heart disease. While loneliness is more common in older adults, anyone can feel lonely at any age. 

Five easy ways to connect 

As life returns to normal, it’s important to make connecting with others a priority. Here are five simple ways to build connection: 

  1. Reach out to your network: Sometimes, the hardest part is taking the first step. Call or message a family member or friend you haven’t talked to in a while. You could even pair your catch-up with a walk outside, which is also great for your health. 
  2. Look for opportunities: Find a shared interest to connect with new people. Many community groups are starting to rebuild after the pandemic. Check out your local community centre, library or leisure centre. Try a new sport, join a class or find a volunteering opportunity. 
  3. Switch from online to in-person: While it’s nice to be at home, meeting in person has its own benefits. Organise face-to-face meetups instead of just phone or video calls. Visit a store instead of shopping online. Find a balance between online and in-person activities that works for you. 
  4. Connect with food: Food brings people together. Invite someone over for a meal, have a picnic in the park or share extra food with a neighbour. Eating with others can make meals more enjoyable. 
  5. Use social media positively: Social media can help you connect with others, but it’s important to use it in a positive way. Joining local support groups or community pages can help you stay connected and involved in your area. Positive interactions on social media can lower levels of depression and anxiety. 

Lessons from the ‘Blue Zones’ 

There are places in the world known as the ‘Blue Zones’ where people live much longer than average. These include Ikaria in Greece, Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in California, and Nicoya in Costa Rica. People in these areas have strong family, spiritual, and social networks, which contribute to their long, healthy lives. For more information on Blue Zones, visit https://www.bluezones.com/ 

Find what works for you 

Remember, it’s not just about how many people you know but the quality of your relationships. Try different ways to connect and see what makes you feel happiest. Spending time with people who make you feel valued can give you a sense of belonging and improve your overall health and wellbeing. 

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