Connections make the world go round
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the indescribable importance of social connections. With our support networks limited over the past year, we’ve all been reminded of just how incredibly valuable our friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and communities really are.
Another thing we’ve missed over this last year is the humble hug; which, after months of not being able to hold our loved ones, doesn’t feel quite so humble anymore. Touching release oxytocin (the ‘love’ hormone), which as well as making us feel all warm and fuzzy, actually makes it easier to cope with stress and helps us to feel more sociable, trusting, and giving.
Feeling lonely or isolated can affect our mental and physical health pretty significantly – more than perhaps any of us realised. Conversely, having friends and other social connections is good for our health and wellbeing, and can positively impact our form in a big way.
The benefits of strong relationships include:
Lower rates of anxiety and depression
Higher self-esteem
Greater levels of empathy
A strengthened immune system
Increased trust and cooperation
Longer life expectancy
Lower risk of mental decline
More enjoyment out of life
In sharp contrast, loneliness can impact our immune system, decrease feelings of contentment, make it difficult for us to sleep, raise our blood pressure, and increase the stress hormone cortisol. Loneliness also heightens our risk of antisocial behaviour, depression and suicide.
Expanding your circle
With more of us working from home, isolation is on the rise; which means we might need to find new ways to stay connected.
Maintaining relationships with our co-workers will call for more scheduled check-ins – replacing those off-the-cuff water cooler moments that added a little brightness and levity to the day. But we can’t survive on Zoom calls alone.
Expanding your social circle can be a really positive move for your mental health: instead of focusing solely on old friends and shying away from meeting anyone new, reaching out to others with a similar interest or way of life (such as toddler parents seeking out fellow toddler parents, or a keen cricketer finding a fellow enthusiast) can help you to form valuable connections.
It’s also important to think about the people you already have in your life, and assess how positive (or negative) those relationships are. The connections you form should enhance your life, and should never leave you feeling low.