People who are chronically lacking in social contacts are more likely to experience elevated levels of stress, inflammation and immune function. These, in turn, can undermine the well-being of nearly every bodily system, resulting in damaged mental health, cardiovascular disease, repeat heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, and cancer. Low social interaction had a similar impact on lifespan as being an alcoholic or smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Not surprising, captors use social isolation to torture prisoners of war resulting in psychological and physical disintegration, and even death.
There is much scientific evidence that demonstrates that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer – improving odds of survival by 50%. The people in your social network influence your health more than almost any other factor including diet, exercise or even getting a flu shot.
In fact, the researchers found that those with close social ties and unhealthful lifestyles (such as smoking, obesity and lack of exercise) actually lived longer than those with poor social ties but more healthful living habits. Needless to say, people with both healthful lifestyles and close social ties lived the longest of all.
People who feel more connected to others also have lower levels of anxiety and depression and higher self-esteem and greater empathy for others.
Increasing your live face to face contact (not social media or canned videos) reduces your stress hormone - cortisol and releases your happy chemicals - Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Serotonin.
Dopamine motivates us to take action toward goals, desires, and needs, and gives a surge of reinforcing pleasure when achieving them. Procrastination, self-doubt, and lack of enthusiasm are linked with low levels of dopamine
Oxytocin creates intimacy, trust, and builds healthy relationships, creating strong bonds and improved social interactions.
Serotonin flows when you feel significant or important. Loneliness and depression appears when serotonin is absent
“In person” friendships create a biological force field against disease and decline.
It’s not enough to focus on eating your veggies and getting regular exercise. Don’t forget to connect.