Importance of social connections

In the pursuit of a happy life, many people will focus heavily on themselves by creating a heavy exercise regime, taking on traits of positive thinking and utilizing the Law of Attraction to feel better.  Unfortunately they may also, in the process, neglect their biological need for social interactions with others. When you keep yourself in isolation for long enough you will not only make you feel lonely but can also have dramatic effects to your overall health and well-being.  A constant lack of social interaction has been found to increase your chance of premature death by between 50% and 87%.  These statistics are very similar to the ones surrounding smoking, obesity and general lack of exercise. Not only will a more active social life make you happier, it will also make you healthier and live longer.  You don’t need to be partying 24/7 or turn yourself into some form of social superstar.  Basic yet frequent social interactions work perfectly and could involve something basic like:

• Coffee with friends
• Family events
• Regular phone calls with a friend or family member
• Going for a drink

When you keep yourself in isolation for long enough it can have dramatic effects on your health. Click To Tweet As long as you make sure that you leave at least one day per week for social interactions you will be going a long way to ensuring better health and longer life. Things like business meetings during your working day or the brief interaction you may have when buying a coffee don’t count.  These are not proper social interactions as they are brief and generally with strangers.  What you really need is at least 1 hour per week to sit down and talk with a close friend or family member. If you don’t have any friends or family it’s time to go outside and find some friends.  It could be people who enjoy the same hobbies and activities as you.  If you are too shy to make new friends than accept the fact that you will die young… or get over yourself and get out there.  Only you can decide what is more important to you, shyness or long-life.