Reconnect

Are you getting enough human contact? Have you even thought about it? Think back to how often you saw people 10 years ago and compare it to today. Is it the same? Less? Much less? Has your need for social contact decreased? If not, what impact is that having on you? 

Humans have always been social creatures. From finding food to fetching water, raising children to nursing the elderly; everything was done with people. Learning, cooking, eating, drinking, talking, travelling, working, shopping, praying, exercising, training, competing, singing, laughing… we were nearly always together. 

For thousands of years, generations of humans lived their days in groups, sharing their lives with others.  

But in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven environments, it’s all too easy to spend more time alone. We’re becoming more and more isolated, and it’s impacting our mental health.  

Why is connecting important?

From the moment we’re born, we seek out bonds with others, through family, friendships and community. Research consistently shows that these relationships are essential to our mental and emotional well-being.  

People who feel more connected to others have higher self-esteem and greater empathy for others. They also have lower levels of anxiety and depression. They’re more trusting and cooperative. These benefits are important in themselves, but when you look at the practical impact they have in our lives, the positive picture becomes clearer. 

Health and quality of life 

Loneliness impacts both our physical and emotional health. Studies have shown that social isolation increases the chance of stroke and heart disease by up to 30%, and may lower our immune system, making you us more vulnerable to viruses and disease. 

A lack of human connection was found to be more harmful than even obesity and smoking, increasing the chances of death by at least 50%.  

Interacting with people provokes a multitude of emotions. Whether we’re laughing, crying, venting, being surprised or empathising, these emotions stimulate our brains to release dopamine and endorphins — the “feel good” neurotransmitters responsible for happiness and mood. 

These improvements to mood, health, empathy and communication enable us to be better friends, partners, parents and relatives. They help us function better in society. 

At work

Strong human connections enhance collaboration. When people trust and respect each other, they communicate more openly and are more likely to share ideas, support each other, and work together to solve problems. This creates a more dynamic and innovative work culture where challenges are shared collectively, reducing stress and chance of burnout.

Human connections also build morale and engagement. Connected colleagues experience a sense of belonging, leading to greater job satisfaction and loyalty. A workplace that values relationships becomes more than just a place where people clock in and out; it becomes a community. This sense of community drives motivation, increasing productivity and retention, and improving work-life balance.

Tips for keeping connected

Considering the widespread isolation, maintaining healthy levels of human contact can be surprisingly easy. Human connection doesn’t have to entail a hike in the woods with an old friend (although that is highly recommended). It can be something as simple as a chat over coffee, a hug from a partner after a long day, or even saying hi to a neighbour.

There are limitless ways you can increase your contact with people, but here are a few for starters:

• Volunteer at a charity – helping others is a rewarding way to build friendships and connect with others.

• Join a group, like a book club or hiking group – routine interaction is a great way to get comfortable with socialising and meet people.

• Find activities in your area – common interests are a great way to bond and form relationships.

• Get in touch – if there are friends or family you haven’t seen for a while, reach out.

• Turn up for things – cancelling reduces your contact and engagement with others.

• Get out – it’s difficult to meet people at home, even going for a walk takes you nearer to people (and gets you moving).

• Actively listen during conversations – if you’re interested and engaged, your interaction will be more meaningful.

• Call people – messaging takes a lot of the human element out of interactions, having a verbal conversation makes you feel much more connected.

And keep at it. Building and maintaining relationships takes effort, vulnerability, and time, but the rewards—emotional support, shared joy, and a sense of belonging—are immeasurable.

Feel more connected in Life

Want to feel connected at work? Get in touch. At Life we’re there for each other and our clients. Connections, collaboration and communication are the key to our award-winning work.

Give us a shout at kelly@life-healthcare.com