Spending time with your friends, family, and loved ones has plenty of benefits.
Too much time alone can make you feel lonely and out of touch. Throughout our
lives, the strength of our relationships plays an integral part in our mental and
physical health. Prioritizing social interactions is a great way to strengthen your
mind-body connection because as we know, the two are inexplicably intertwined.
Our thoughts and emotions impact our physical health, just as our physical health
affects our state of mind. This is referred to as the mind-body connection. While
hanging out with friends is a great way to boost positivity and pass the time, social
connectedness generates a positive feedback circle of social, emotional, and
physical well-being.
Health Benefits of Being Social
The benefits between social interaction and good mental health are numerous.
Studies have shown that those who spend time with friends have reduced anxiety
and depression, with higher self-esteem. They are also more empathetic, trusting,
and generate more cooperative relationships with others. Because what affects your
mind also affects your physical health, social interaction is also good for your
physical well-being. As stated previously, It’s been proven that social
connectedness helps to strengthen your immune system, helps you recover from
illness quicker, and even improves life longevity.
All of these benefits significantly increase a person's quality of life, a common
denominator in the concept of mind-body connections. When a person has a solid
mind-body connection they achieve a higher quality of life. There are many ways
to improve your mind-body connection, such as getting physically active every day
or eating a balanced diet. Another great way is to prioritize being social. Not only
is it improving your mental and physical health, but it is also strengthening your
mind-body connection.
Impact of Loneliness on Your Health
Loneliness can have dramatic consequences for your health. Studies have shown
that loneliness can lead to disrupted sleeping patterns, high blood pressure, and
increased stress. It can heavily affect your immune system and overall happiness.
Most importantly, loneliness produces antisocial behavior, depression, and suicide.
Social Connectedness in Relation to the Mind-Body Connection
The uplifting effects of socializing, as well as the devastating effects of loneliness
greatly impact your mind-body connection. Receiving the health benefits from
social interaction will strongly improve your mind-body connection because you
are nurturing your mental and physical health through strong relationships.
Regardless of what that relationship may be, social interaction is a tool for a high-
quality life.
Improving Social Interactions
If you feel your social interactions are lacking, there are many ways to help
improve them. Strengthen them by reaching out to people you already know, such
as co-workers, family, or neighbors. Meet new people by starting conversations in
the places you go to every day, like your gym or the coffee shop. Consider signing
up for a class, or taking up a social hobby to interact regularly.
Get out of your comfort zone and start making new friends! It will improve your
mental and physical health, and your mind-body connection, and lessen the feeling
of loneliness.
1. Source: Better Health (2022) Strong Relationships, Strong Health
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Strong-relationships-
strong-health
2. Source: Boom Health (2022) Health Benefits of Social Interactions
https://boom.health/blog/health-benefits-of-social-interaction/
3. Source: Viktor Sander (2021) The Health Benefits of Socializing
https://socialself.com/blog/socializing-health-benefits/