Can you remember the last time you had an absolute blast? A time when you had so much fun you lost all sense of time and felt yourself lifted up on positive energy and good vibes? Chances are, you were with people. With friends, or those talented colleagues at work with whom we easily share a laugh and an easy rapport, we discover the true meaning of synergy: in which the combined result is greater than the sum of its individual parts. It turns out this experience offers myriad health benefits as well.
While isolation is dangerous for your health, a socially connected way of living offers profound benefits, stretching into every area of your life. When we feel connected with and supported by friends, colleagues, mentors, we tend to make healthier choices, value ourselves more highly, and we are better able to cope with stress or anxiety. Social connection reminds you that you’re not alone. Trying to bear problems and stresses by yourself is crushing… one person simply can’t do it all alone. Sharing with others can be remarkably liberating and stress relieving. Just as your talents and experience can be of service to your friends, your social group, your community, so can theirs to you. Social connection is about the joy of giving. It also helps us lighten up… discover that our problems aren’t the looming monsters we imagine them to be. The best kind of friend group is the one where you lighten up and laugh at yourself.
Interestingly, while the CDC speaks of the mental and physical health benefits of a socially connected life, the website also refers to the diversity of social connections in one’s life creating a sense of belonging, of being cared for and supported. And it’s true, you have all kinds of connections, that speak to every need. The loan officer at your local bank offers a very different kind of relationship than your best friend or your chiropractor, but they all have their place, and can be of tremendous value.
One thing about social connection, it tends to happen spontaneously when we are willing to get out of the house and out into the world. Sometimes the best solution to a dark mood is to take a walk, or say yes to an invitation, and open ourselves to the magic of relationship and connection.
Thank you for tuning in this month, and please remember to follow us on social media!
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