During times of stress, it is really important to maintain connections with family and friends.

Staying connected with others has numerous health and wellness benefits:

• Reduces stress and improves our ability to cope with stress
• Reduces anxiety, loneliness, and depression
• Reduces risks for heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health problems
• Possibly boosts the immune system
• Possibly increases the number of healthy lifestyle choices one makes

Here are three articles from reputable sources which describe the benefits of maintaining social connections:

CDC: Social Connection

WHO: It’s time to harness the power of connection for our health and well-being

Stanford Medicine: Connected & Health: The Science of Social Connection

With our heavy reliance on online tools (email, video chat, social media, etc.), especially during the years of isolation due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, many have become disconnected from family and friends. Reengaging face-to-face is vital.

Instead of emailing or video chatting, meet a friend or relative for coffee or a shared meal. Meet up with friends for exercise or some team sport. Go shopping together, sing karaoke, meet in the park, try out a new restaurant.

Quality time spent with another person has a big impact on both your and the other person’s mood and feeling of connectedness.

Don’t have the time to meet up? Even a telephone call can provide big benefits, and I bet you can spare 8 minutes for a phone call.

One study found that a few brief phone calls during a week “rapidly reduced” levels of depression, loneliness, and anxiety.

Claudia Glaser-Mussen, a New York psychotherapist says hearing the voice of loved one “is emotionally regulating.”

Think about a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Some people feel awkward about reaching out to someone they haven’t spoken to in a long time. Trust me, people are really moved knowing you are thinking about them and will welcome the reconnection.

Send them a text and ask them if they’d be up for an 8-minute phone call. Schedule it and see how it goes. I’ll bet you both will feel better immediately.

What Can I Do – Series Introduction
1. Manage your consumption of news
2. Reduce your time on social media
3. Communicate with your legislators
4. Cultivate and nurture your friendships
5. Volunteer and serve others

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