Research has consistently shown that social connections are crucial for both physical and mental health. One study published in the journal PLOS Medicine found that people with strong social connections had a 50% increased likelihood of survival over a seven-and-a-half-year period compared to those with weaker social ties. Social connections have also been linked to a lower risk of developing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and dementia.
On a biological level, social connections stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of bonding, trust, and social attachment. Oxytocin also has physical benefits, such as reducing stress levels and inflammation in the body.
Social Isolation
Have you ever gone through the confusing experience of not feeling understood by your loved ones or in general by the people around you?
Has it made you question if you’re actually loved, able to love or if something is wrong with you because nobody gets how you are feeling?
Unfortunately this is turning out to be an increasingly common feeling.
It breeds isolation because the more we feel like nobody will understand us, the lesser we share our real selves with the world. The lesser we share, the lesser we are understood because nobody knows the real version of us. It’s easy to get stuck in the cycle.
We’re wired for connection. We just need to make sure we find the ones that light the bulb, not the ones that fry the circuit.
Fortunately, building social connections does not need to be a complicated process. It doesn’t need to be forced either.
Tips for Cultivating Social Connections
If you’re looking to improve your social connections, here are a few simple tips you can start implementing today:
Prioritize face-to-face interactions: While technology can be a useful tool for staying in touch with friends and family, there’s no substitute for in-person interactions. Make an effort to schedule regular meetups with loved ones, whether it’s for a coffee date or a dinner party.
A simple way to do this in everyday life is to walk up to a colleague’s desk and ask them a question instead of pinging them on chat. If you work from home, maybe you can go visit a neighbor instead of texting them.
Join a group or club: Joining a group or club based on your interests can be a great way to meet new people who share your passions. Whether it’s a book club, hiking group, or volunteer organization, you’re bound to find like-minded individuals who you can connect with.
This is also a great way to get out of your comfort zone, make new friends and revel in the trial and error of what you like and what you don’t like.
Practice active listening: When you’re in a conversation with someone, make a conscious effort to really listen to what they’re saying. Show interest in their experiences and ask thoughtful questions. This can help foster deeper connections and build trust.
Curiosity is the greatest tool for building connections there is.
Offer support: Whether it’s a listening ear or a helping hand, offering support to others can help strengthen social connections. When someone you care about is going through a difficult time, reach out and offer your support in whatever way you can.
If you don’t know how to offer support or help someone, simply show up for them. You don’t need to know the right things to do or the perfect things to say. Most of the times, just your presence matters.
At The Change Circle, we are also here to provide support and enable you to build strong social connections in your own life. Get in touch with us at thechangecircle.com/contact to open up a dialogue with Dave Bauer or Swetha Sarathy.
Share Your Story
We’d love to hear about your experiences with social connections and how they’ve impacted your well-being. Have you made a new friend recently, or reconnected with an old one? What tips do you have for cultivating social connections in your own life? Share your story in the comments below and let’s continue the conversation!
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