Importance of Social Connection

Social connections in your life are the relationships you have with people around you, whether they are friends, family members, colleagues, or neighbours. Socialising allows you to interact with these people and positively relate to them. Having strong social connections is important to have positive impacts on your life. 

Unfortunately with isolation, quarantine and social distancing due to the coronavirus, COVID-19 is not the only public health threat we should be worried about, loneliness is one as well. A good thing about this is how we have time to do some of the things that we don’t have time for in our hectic, busy schedules.

The hard truth is people who do not feel connected to others are more likely to face negativity like catching a cold, experience depression, developing heart disease, have a lower cognitive function and live a shorter life. The harm caused by feelings of loneliness in the long term is very similar to obesity or smoking. One study even showed that social connection is a greater determinant of health than high blood pressure or smoking.

The type of social connection doesn’t necessarily have to mean being physically present with people, but feeling the experience of being understood, cared about and connected to others. A vital part of feeling socially connected is receiving support from others, or even at least knowing that the support is there whenever you need it.

Some benefits of social interaction are:

Prevents loneliness

The next best thing to face-to-face interaction is video chat, because facial cues, body language and other nonverbal forms of communication are important for bonding! Now is the perfect time to practice using technology in socially healthy ways. As many of us feel anxious at home, it is also a good way to check up on your friend’s well-being and vice versa. 

Boosts your mental health 

Friendships offer several mental health benefits, such as increased feelings of belonging, purpose, increased levels of happiness, reduced levels of stress, improved self-worth and confidence. It also helps with better cognitive function. People who feel connected to others tend to have lower levels of anxiety and depression.

Helps you live longer

Research has shown that social connections not only affect your mental health but your physical health as well. Loneliness can cause a slower recovery from disease and is also a major factor in suicide.

Greater happiness

People with few social ties are 2 to 3 times more likely to suffer from major depression than people with strong social bonds. Social connection increases happiness because it gives us a sense of belonging, self-worth, and security. We are happier, thrive and are more successful in environments with supportive families and friends.