They say “It takes a village to raise a child” and I think this concept rings true in so many other areas of our lives.
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it can become easy to lose sight of one of the most fundamental aspects of our human nature—social connection. As social creatures, we are biologically wired to connect with one another, create strong bonds, and form lasting relationships.
Studies show that having a strong network of social connections is linked to greater mental and physical health. Science shows that with a stronger sense of social connection, our lifespan increases, our immune system strengthens, and we are less prone to anxiety and depression.
Why Social Connection is Vital
Emotional Support: Life inherently presents challenges, and these challenges are much easier to overcome when we have others to lean on for emotional support.
Sense of Belonging: A strong sense of community and belonging allows us to bolster our sense of identity and purpose (two fundamental components of strong self-esteem).
Motivation: Social connection can provide us with motivation and inspiration to achieve our goals and make the most of our potential. Some of the most impactful connections in my life have strengthened my belief in my abilities and capacity to utilize them to fulfill my potential in a meaningful way.
How to Develop More Social Connection:
Advances in technology, political and social divisions, as well as the impact of the pandemic have all influenced how we connect with others. Maintaining and nurturing social connections is a skill and a practice—here are some ways to bolster it:
Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize channeling your energy into deep and meaningful relationships that leave you feeling recharged rather than depleted.
Go Out into Your Community!: Finding activities or groups that interest you can be a great place to start if you’re seeking to build more community.
Reach Out: Our lives can become so busy that keeping up with text messages can become a burdensome task, but a simple text, call, or invitation to meet up for coffee can go a long way!
When we prioritize the health and quality of our social connections, we ultimately invest in our own well-being. If you are currently in a place where you need support and connection, finding the right therapist for you is a great place to start. You can reach out to our client care coordinator today to find the right therapist to support your journey toward maintaining and cultivating meaningful connections.
With gratitude,
Atalie Abramovici, LMFT
