Social Connection W
hen we think about ways to increase our physical and mental health for overall wellness,
our first thoughts tend to be about diet and exercise. Sure, what we eat and how we move are critical components of a healthy lifestyle, but another component—social connection—can have just as much of a positive or negative impact on our health. As social creatures, humans learn early on that social connection is good because these types of interactions trigger the release of the feel good hormone oxytocin, which also works with other neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine to create feelings of pleasure. While feeling good is reason enough to nurture our social connections, the shared human experience and the sense of belonging that comes from finding one's tribe also contributes to a variety of physical and mental health benefits. Numerous scientific studies have found significant evidence that social connection can help people maintain a healthy body mass index, control blood sugars, improve cancer survival, decrease cardiovascular mortality, decrease depressive symptoms, mitigate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and improve overall mental health. On the flipside, loneliness and social isolation can have a markedly negative effect on overall health and has been linked to higher risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease and even death. Renowned psychologist Daniel Goleman believes that the quality and tone of our social interactions matter as well. In fact, research showed links between involvement in a distressing relationship and hikes in stress hormones to levels that damage virus fighting cells. In his book, Social Intelligence, the New Science of Human Relationships,
Studies show that strong social connection leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity. Sources: psychologytoday.com & US, Cigna, 2020, 2021
Goleman writes. “Negative interactions also have the power to affect genes that regulate our immune system in a negative way. Nourishing relationships have a beneficial impact on our health, while toxic ones can act like a slow poison in our bodies. The social brain represents the only biological system in our bodies that continually attunes us to, and in turn becomes influenced by, the people we are with. This is why an upsetting encounter with an angry stranger can affect us for hours, which is known as ‘emotional contagion.’ But the opposite is also true—being around upbeat, happy people can also affect our physiology in a positive way.” So, what can you do to increase your social connections and improve your physical and mental health? Local Licensed Mental Health Counselor Julia Hagens says finding a group hobby and volunteering are both great ways to socialize. “I encourage my clients to find a hobby that they can enjoy with others and join a group that shares their passion,” Hagens said. “Another great way to socialize is to volunteer somewhere. Helping others relieves depression, provides social contacts and gets them out of the house. Finding a group that shares your spiritual beliefs can also provide several benefits including socialization. Exercise is also very important. Exercising in a group provides social contact as well as a boost in endorphins--two birds with one stone.”
Connect! + Take a group class at
First City Art Center, The Gordon Community Art Center or another community organization.
+ Volunteer with your
church, Manna Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida or another organization with a mission that is close to your heart.
+ Make the first move—call
up an acquaintance you’d like to get to know better and invite them out for coffee or a visit to one of our local museums.
And while research shows that in-person socializing is ideal, Hagens says that making contact with friends and family through video chat or the phone can be very helpful as well. She adds that pets can be extremely helpful in alleviating feelings of loneliness and isolation—especially for those with limited mobility or other issues that limit their ability to socialize outside of their home. “Pets are magical beings that can warm our hearts, make us laugh, and give us someone to love,” she said.
58% of Americans felt lonely in 2021. That number was 61% in 2019 and 54% in 2018.
59% of women & 57% of men feel lonely.
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