29/10/2021
CONNECT TO THRIVE 🤝
Social connection improves physical health and mental and emotional well-being.
We all think we know how to take good care of ourselves: eat your veggies, work out and try to get enough sleep. But how many of us know that social connection is just as critical?
One landmark study showed that lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.
On the other hand, strong social connection:
leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity
strengthens your immune system (research by Steve Cole shows that genes impacted by loneliness also code for immune function and inflammation)
helps you recover from disease faster
may even lengthen your life!
People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, are more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them. In other words, social connectedness generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional and physical well-being.
Unfotunately, the opposite is also true for those who lack social connectedness. Low levels of social connection are associated with declines in physical and psychological health as well as a higher likelihood for antisocial behavior that leads to further isolation.
Feel lonely?
Research shows that loneliness is on the rise.
People low in social connection are more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, antisocial behavior, and even suicidal behaviors which tend to further increase their isolation. A lack of social connectedness predicts vulnerability to disease and death beyond traditional risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, and physical activity!
Come down to The Lads Club tomorrow morning from 10am until midday, connect with others, have a game of bat and chat 🏓 💬 on our table tennis table, listen to some relaxing music, create some poetry… or simply come for a coffee and a talk.
