Connections are good for our health and happiness!

“I timed our call for precisely 8 minutes. It was so good to hear each other’s voices again. I felt happier.”

When I think about what makes me happy, it’s the people in my life. As we reflect on the past few (bumpy) years, I think about weaving the past into new beginnings. Most of us have taken stock of what is essential and re-evaluated where we spend our time and energy.

Silver linings.

But there’s no denying the strain we’ve all faced. Keeping connections to family, friends, and community has been trying; loneliness has been present for many. And this is not good for our health.

I could outline the importance of diet, exercise, and sleep patterns; reducing cholesterol levels; losing weight; vaccines, and other preventive health measures (all of which have value, of course.)

As it turns out, the number one thing we can do to ensure our health and happiness is to cultivate meaningful relationships. The world’s most comprehensive scientific study of happiness, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, has shown this over eight decades. Connections to others lead to healthier, happier, and longer lives.

The New York Times featured a Happiness Challenge. My favorite was the 8-minute phone call. I wanted to try it, so I contacted a good friend I had been putting off contacting because I felt I needed to devote more time to hear about his life. Sound familiar?

I timed our call for precisely 8 minutes. It was so good to hear each other’s voices again.

I felt happier.

He texted me the following week and asked if we could schedule five more 8-minute phone calls.

Meaningful connections come in all forms—a quick check-in, a walk with a friend, saying hello to the barista making your coffee, sharing a meal, coaching, or volunteering. For me, there are my patients as well.

I want all of us to reach out to someone we care about, strike up a conversation with an acquaintance, or find a way to be involved with our community.

Let’s do this for ourselves and others.

That’s what makes the world go ‘round. And keeps us all healthier and happier.