5 Ways that Connection is Scientifically Shown to Improve Well-being
By Helena Lopes via Unsplash
Humans are innately social beings. We evolved as a species to rely on cooperation to survive, and our brains have adapted to register isolation as danger. Loneliness can trigger a fight-or-flight response of stress hormones, revving up inflammation that can lead to chronic illness.
The pandemic left us especially vulnerable to the long-term impacts of loneliness, even as we were protecting ourselves from the immediate threat of a deadly virus. As we continue to stay safe from COVID-19, it’s important to still find ways to connect.
With connection being this year’s theme for Mental Health Action Day, here are five interesting ways that research has shown human connection to tangibly improve your well-being:
A lack of social relationships is more harmful than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
A key reason why mental health should be taken as seriously as physical health: A 2010 study found that loneliness and social isolation contribute more to premature death than chain-smoking, alcohol abuse, and obesity. According to a meta-analysis of 148 studies around the world, the lack of social relationships carried the same health risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and having alcohol use disorder, and double the risk of obesity. On the flip side, those with strong social bonds were 50 percent less likely to die over a given period as those who did not have strong social bonds.
A long hug can reduce stress hormones.
Hugs don’t just feel good – they’re actually good for our health. Hugging can reduce stress, increase oxytocin, and release endorphins in both the person giving the hug and the person receiving the hug. One study found that women receiving frequent hugs from their partner were found to have lower blood pressure and heart rate, and another study found that the stress-buffering effects of cuddling could even help fight off the common cold.
How long should a healthy hug last? Science points to at least 5 seconds.
A compliment triggers the same part of the brain that’s activated when you receive money.
Neuroscience research shows that a positive reputation activates the reward-related part of the brain, the striatum — the same area activated by monetary rewards. One way to let someone know that you think highly of them – pay them a compliment!
Not all compliments are equal, though. The best way to achieve this neural activation is to give compliments that are sincere in nature, note the specific behavior or trait, are detailed, and are frequent, especially in close relationships.
Social connection decreases our risk of dementia.
Social isolation makes people three times more at risk for dementia, than those younger than 80 years old who would otherwise be expected to have a relatively low risk based on age and genetic risk factors, according to a 2022 study. It also found that loneliness contributes to poor executive function like decision-making, planning, cognitive flexibility, and control of attention.
The study’s lead author, Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said when releasing the findings: “If we want to prioritize brain health, we can’t ignore the role of psychosocial factors like loneliness and the social environments we live in day-to-day. Sometimes, the best way to take care of ourselves and the people we love is simply to regularly reach out and check in – to acknowledge and be acknowledged.”
Healthy relationships are the strongest predictor of happiness in old age.
After studying men’s mental and physical health for over 80 years, the Harvard Study of Adult Development found that healthy, close relationships were the strongest predictor of long-lasting happiness –more than social class, IQ, or even genes. Romantic relationships are obvious, but friendships, relationships at work, and connection with your community and neighbors can support your happiness as well.
Humans are adaptive – social distancing doesn’t necessarily mean social isolation. A phone call, video call, or even snail mail can achieve similar effects of in-person connection. Prioritize your relationships, stay connected with the people who bring you joy, and reach out to those who you may have lost touch with or may need a little extra love.