Episode Outline/Takeaways

Social connection is often a neglected or overlooked pillar of health.

Health-related measures like blood pressure, stress levels, and heart rate improve with social connection.  Your overall happiness also increases even with short, positive interactions.

Social media is not a replacement for this.  This type of connection often leads to comparison when viewing everyone’s “best life” version instead of reality.

Gossiping also is a pseudo-connection as it does not foster trust or deeper connections.

Spending time with people where you are engaging in unhealthy behaviors is another pseudo-connection that does not help

You want to have fun and create deep, meaningful connections.  You want to be in flow, be connected, and feel playful.

Volunteering at an animal shelter, joining a book club, joining a religious/spiritual group, joining a walking/hiking group, and doing workshops are all ways to connect with people in a positive way.

Goal setting can be done for this, especially when you get specific.  For example: I will increase my social connection by making sure to meet with my once monthly book club consistently for the next 6 months.

 Even introverts need social connection and interaction.  Find small ways to increase your social connection without making it stressful or exhausting for yourself.  Try virtual co-working spaces like being on a Zoom call together while getting individual work done to where you feel like you are with people even though you are alone.  Even something small like working at a coffee shop and interacting with the coffee shop workers can help.

Try to hit multiple pillars of health at the same time by eating a healthy meal with a friend or going on a walk together.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your healthcare provider or therapist if you are feeling isolated and lonely.  They can help get you on the right track.  

Takeaways:

Social connection is really important for both psychological and physical health.  This is true regardless of your personality type.

Foster the relationships that help you be your best self and engage in healthy behaviors.

Multi-task by trying to hit multiple pillars of health by engaging in a healthy activity with friends to add the social connection component in at the same time.

Intro/Outro Music Credit: Corner Store Breakfast by Reasonforworry