Connections, Isolation and Loneliness
We all know the basics of health 101: eat your veggies, go to the gym and get proper rest. But how many of us know that social connection is as important? Social connection improves physical health and psychological well-being.
People who feel more connected to others have lower rates of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, are more empathic to others, more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them. Social connectedness therefore generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional and physical well-being. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true for those who lack social connectedness. Low social connection has been generally associated with declines in physical and psychological health as well as a higher propensity to antisocial behavior that leads to further isolation.
There’s no doubt about it – we human beings are profoundly social. We have a powerful drive to connect with other people and this drive is deeply embedded in history. The moment we are born, we already yearn to build a relationship with the person who cares most about us. As we grow up, the effects of this first relationship we have will reverberate all throughout our lives.
When children are loved and well taken care of from the beginning, there is a very high likelihood that they will have strong social connections as they grow older. Think about your relationships right now… Are they secure? Are you happy with them? Do they enrich your life? Or do you feel like there is something lacking in your social life?
This August we are going hone in on Connections, Isolation and loneliness. We will be talking to members of our team, along with people we know, to look at how they cope with loneliness, isolation and how important connections are for them. We are really looking forward to this month and in light of the recent extension of lockdowns and the general feeling of our nation, it is a perfect time to dive into this.
We are looking forward to you joining us on this journey.