“The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital.” —Dr. Mark Hyman
As a certified health and brain health coach, I love reading about the most up-to-date findings on steps we can take toward living healthier and happier lives.
Research supports my belief that we can actually get better as we age.
And I love to learn that we can not only keep our cognitive decline at bay, but we can actually improve our brain health as we age.
I created a model that I use to help teach and motivate my students to make positive health changes for a more beautiful brain.
I refer to it as Coming to our Senses: 6 Key Foundational Pillars:
S – Sleep
E – Exercise
N – Nutrition
S – Stress Management
E – Engaging the brain
S – Social Connections
(My original model had Self-Care as the 6th pillar; but I have come to realize that self-care is not an individual pillar but rather a combination of all the others.)
I have been made aware of the critical importance of Social Connections for our overall health and well-being, so I have been digging deeper into studies of this sixth pillar in my SENSES model.
The Impact of Friendships
I continue to learn about the huge impact our friendships have on our health, happiness, general well-being and even our longevity. And yet sadly there appears to be an alarming decline in social connections in our culture. In fact, loneliness is now being referred to as a national public health concern!
One day I found myself perusing the internet for more information on this phenomenon of loneliness and the decline in longevity. And as synchronicity would have it, I noticed an email from a friend of mine. It was an invitation to a house party.
A Party Invitation
Here’s what the email said:
Come over to Susan’s house on Friday, March 28 at 1:30
There will be Coffee, Tea & Crumpets
Let’s share our latest projects, passions and ideas (they can be in progress, completed or future desires that you have).
Bring whatever you have to show and tell (even if it’s pictures of your work).
I can’t wait to catch up with whomever can make it.
A social gathering (as in social connections)? I wondered if Susan had been reading the same research that I was.
Sharing our current projects and passions; and sharing about our progress as well. What a fun idea for a party!
I quickly replied, “Yes, count me in and thank you for the invitation! I would love to come to your house and learn about what cool projects and passions others out there are working on!”
We Were Serious
When Susan greeted me at her door, I quickly noticed that the dozen or so invited guests had all taken my friend’s party theme seriously. There was evidence of completed projects and work-in-progress projects laying out all across the living room.
Since the timing of Susan’s party was perfect for my recent focus on the power of Social Connections, I couldn’t help but compare this experience I had with what I was learning from the experts on the benefits of friendships and communities.
Social Benefits of Social Connections
In order to thrive as a community, social support, positive social interaction, and development of supportive friendships and relationships are critical.
After we had a chance to meet and greet one another, Susan had us gather around in chairs that were set up in the living room.
She instructed us to go around the circle and explain our projects and ideas. And she encouraged all of us to feel free to add our comments. And so began the show and tell.
Some of us were just newly acquainted. What a lovely way to get to know someone, immediately learning their interests and passions.
Creative Benefits of Social Connections
Talking with others is a powerful tool for boosting creativity. Social interaction encourages you to share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and think outside the box. When you bounce ideas off someone else, you’re engaging in a creative process that expands your thinking and sparks innovation.
Beautiful quilts were unfolded and spread across the floor, creative wall hangings were rolled out, a legacy scrap book and photo album was displayed, unveiling the family history of generations before. Their pictures of projects and explanations of new ideas and future plans was enlightening.
The creativity throughout the room was amazing. It was so inspiring to see and hear these women sharing their interests, expertise and their passions. I loved hearing about how their making progress not only brought them joy but further motivated them (and the rest of us) to do more.
Psychological Benefits of Social Connections
Spending time with friends gives one a positive sense of pleasure, improved confidence, and self-esteem.
Our get together was a perfect example of the psychological benefits of social connections.
As each of the creators spoke about their project, I couldn’t help but notice their voices got more animated; their eyes lit up and their energy seemed to spew out of their pores. I could also feel their excitement was contagious.
It was quite clear that, indeed, this experience was good for our well-being. There were a lot of discussions about new ideas, current passions and future plans.
We asked questions, gave positive feedback and offered many words of adoration and encouragement.
When one gal mentioned she was feeling stuck with how to sew certain pieces of a garment together, several helpful suggestions followed.
When I shared about an upcoming Brain Health class I would be teaching, I received encouragement as well as promises attend and be among my students.
One lady in the circle stood up and said she wanted to make an announcement. She encouraged those of us who were still working through – and perhaps struggling with – our projects to keep at it. She suggested we make commitments to each other to finish up. And for those of us that just came with good ideas, she told us that she loved hearing about them and expected us to turn them into reality. She reminded us to call on each other to get support when we needed it.
Once we all had a chance to share, Susan invited us into the dining room for tea and crumpets served on her fine China. When someone commented about the beautiful dishware, Susan said she had come to realize there was no point in just storing it all away, “What better use for my collection than to share it with my dear friends.” The tea and crumpets were delightful; as were the conversations.
Cognitive Benefits of Social Connections
Engaging with others can enhance mental health, improve cognitive function, and foster emotional resilience. It also aids in the release of neurotransmitters like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin – all feel-good hormones.
I left Susan’s house that day with those feel-good hormones racing through my body and brain. I was inspired and excited; and my head was spinning with new ideas, like writing an article about the experience and what I was learning about the power of Social Connections!
And speaking of heads spinning… did you know that our time spent engaging in positive social interactions may directly modify our brains?
Biological Benefits of Social Connections
Our social interactions can activate our neural circuits, helping keep them flexible. And spending time in meaningful social interactions may help boost cognitive reserve and mental resilience.
We’ve all heard that socializing is good for the soul, but did you realize that it’s also great for your brain?
Who knew that we were not only having a great time socializing that day, but we were also making our brains and bodies healthier and more beautiful!
Physical Health Benefits of Social Connections
Enjoying the frequent company of good friends is associated with lower blood pressure, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and improved immune function.
What’s there not to love about having more social connections!
I encourage you to plan your own ‘latest project and passions’ party, invite your friends to come and bring their projects, and share their latest ideas.
I would love to hear about your plans and your parties.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you attended or hosted any social gatherings lately? What were they about? How did they stimulate you and your guests? Would you consider a work-in-progress party?
