Human connection is essential for our well-being.

Do you ever find yourself caught between feeling both lonely and overwhelmed by social interactions? In a world where we are constantly surrounded by people, yet feel disconnected and isolated, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing our lives to others through social media—feeling left out, questioning why we aren't receiving invitations or participating in the same activities as our peers. This critical voice inside our heads fuels self-doubt, pushing us to measure our worth based on what others are doing. The more we delve into this cycle, the more overwhelmed we become, until human connection itself feels like just another burden on our never-ending to-do list. And these hard feelings can be detrimental to our health…increased cortisol (stress hormones), lack of sleep, and can negatively affect our mental health. While we may jokingly throw around the phrase “compare and despair,” there’s a lot of truth to it. Never before in human history have the highlight reels of nearly everyone we know been constantly visible to us 24 hours a day.

In the frenzy of modern life, it is essential to pause and reflect on the true essence of genuine human connection. For me, it’s making sure I do get enough alone time and quality time with others. I enjoy a good old fashioned phone date…thank you COVID era. It brought back the joy of a simple ring to a bff. Because I’m a mama to an elementary school kiddo, I do love a nice mom date, too. Let the kids play while we connect about life’s ups and downs. So what if, in this busy fast-paced life, we ditched the glitz and glam of a “perfectly curated post” and rather strive for high-quality, authentic connection. What if we focused on nurturing connections that bring us true joy and fulfillment. Genuine human connection is not about being invited to every gathering or mirroring the actions of others—it's about building meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared values.

At our core there lies an innate desire to connect with others, to be seen and understood. Let us reclaim the beauty of genuine human connection, embracing the depth and richness that authentic relationships offer. It is in these connections that we find true fulfillment, reminding us that we are never truly alone in this world. We truly depend upon one another for all parts of our health.

We are stronger together and here’s why:

Sense of belonging: When we connect with others, we feel like we belong to a community or group. This sense of belonging gives us a feeling of security and comfort that helps us feel more grounded and supported in our lives.
Improved mental health: Studies have shown that people who have strong social connections are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Having people to talk to and share our experiences with can be a powerful form of therapy.
Physical health benefits: Social connections have been linked to improved physical health, including a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and a longer lifespan. People who have strong social support systems are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as exercise and eating a nutritious diet. When it comes to very complex issues like chronic pain, strong social connections are one of the greatest influences on how chronic pain is experienced by an individual.
Increased empathy and understanding: Connecting with others allows us to learn from different perspectives and experiences. This can lead to increased empathy and understanding, as well as a greater appreciation for the diversity of the human experience. Left to our own devices, we may begin to think that “we’re the only one.” Authentic and honest connection helps remind us that our struggles, honestly, are not as unique as we sometimes make them out to be.

Overall, as a social species, human connection is vital to our well-being and happiness. By connecting with others, we can experience a sense of belonging, improve our mental and physical health, and learn and grow as individuals.

We truly thrive when we are together.

How can we support others' thriving?

Supporting others' is an important part of building a strong and connected community. Here are a few ways we can support others' thriving:

Show empathy and kindness: One of the most important things we can do to support others' thriving is to show empathy and kindness. Listen to their needs and offer support and encouragement when they need it most. Be a space for real life to show up, without judgement.
Encourage growth and learning: We can help others thrive by encouraging them to grow and learn. Share your knowledge and experience, provide feedback, and offer opportunities for growth and development.
Foster a sense of belonging: We can help others thrive by creating an environment where they feel like they belong. Encourage inclusivity, be welcoming and accepting of others, and provide opportunities for social connections.
Provide resources and support: Sometimes, people need help accessing the resources and support they need to thrive. Offer your time, expertise, or resources to help others overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Celebrate success: Celebrate the successes of others and show appreciation for their hard work and accomplishments. By recognizing their achievements, we can help boost their confidence and motivate them to continue striving for excellence.