Challenge 09 - Social Connection
Humans have always gained sustenance from each other and this capacity to act collectively and build collaboratively has been at the heart of our success. P.Seabright
The strongest predictor of life satisfaction, aka happiness, is determined by the strength of your social connections, according to research from both The World Happiness Report and the Grant Study. Our relationships and how well you are integrated into your local network also influence your chance of surviving a major illness, especially after heart attacks and stroke but up to 50%. More recently, pandemic research has shown high-quality connections are highly beneficial and as a buffer and reduce negative outcomes.
Interestingly the optimal number of friends you need to flourish differs by personality type. Dunbar’s number of 150 developed by evolutionary psychologist and anthropologist Robin Dunbar claims that it typically ranges from 100 to 250. This variance is due to the difference between introverts and extroverts, with introverts preferring fewer, stronger friendships, while extroverts prefer more, weaker ones and spread themselves more thinly. We all have limited time and the strength of a friendship is completely dependent on how much time you invest in each person.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to stay connected. Most of us need other people to live long and healthy lives, help us get up when we are down & connect us to opportunities. Developing social connections is a learnt skill we all need to continually work on. Some ideas below to get started or restarted:
· Inconsequential connections matter. According to researchers Sandstrom & Dunn, a seemingly inconsequential conversation with your barista, another parent at the school drop-off, or on the dog walk could lift your mood by 17%.
· Use informal communication. Reach out to an old friend with a simple text, email, or call. A shared history with old friends makes it easier to reconnect and pick up where you left off.
· Join a local fitness group (Parkrun) or volunteer something with a higher purpose (Bushcare group). The collective group purpose makes it easier to find common ground.
So how might you build or strengthen a relationship today? Tell us here
Reference
1. The World happiness report.
2. Framingham heart study. 1971- 2003. https://framinghamheartstudy.org/
3. Friends: Understanding the Power of Our Most Important Relationships 2021. Robin Dunbar
4. Gillian Sandstrom
Further reading
Read: Dunbar’s number theconversation.com
Watch: The Secret to living longer maybe your social life www.ted.com
Listen: The science of friendships. Robin Dunbar. RSA
** Disclaimer – Part of the Fresh Start Effect / Build Your Ideal Day Program by Duncan Young. All content and media on the Build Your Ideal Day Website is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
