Social connection is the thread that weaves the fabric of happiness.  Whether that’s in person or online, it’s critical for our happiness that we engage in relationships with others. 

Transcript:

Welcome to Everyday Happiness where we create lasting happiness, in 2 minutes a day,  through my signature method of Intentional Margins® (creating harmony between your to-dos and your priorities), happiness science, and musings about life. 

I'm your host Katie Jefcoat and social connection is the thread that weaves the fabric of happiness.  I was thinking about this.  Contemplating happiness for all and for myself, after recording yesterday's show.  The research by Sonja Lyubomirsky, (LU-BO-MER-SKE) her colleagues, and others in this field point to social connection as a happiness cornerstone.  The more you are in a relationship with others, the happier you are.  It’s actually a circle. You are happier when you have social connection and you will attract more social connection when you are happy.  If you can improve or cultivate connection, it will improve your well-being, it’s basically a positive feedback loop.  

When we isolate ourselves because of a global pandemic or feelings of depression or sadness, we interrupt this loop.  We retreat from social connection.  

While taking a pause may be beneficial for you at times, say a long weekend, a meditation retreat away, a couple months when you are head-down writing a book.  Those are instances where you are choosing to back off the social connection in a different way, so I don’t want to confuse the feelings here. 

When you are isolated, it can have a negative effect on happiness if you are not finding other ways to connect.  That’s probably not a surprise to you.  But, the Zoom craze is up a zillion percent since the pandemic. People are finding ways to connect.  Even my parents and grandparents learned how to use Zoom to connect with others. My extended family took our traditional 3rd Sunday breakfast online and even more people that were not local got to join in.  I’ve heard of people playing competitive video games with family online, like Mario Cart and games like that.  Nothing replaces real life human connection, there is an energy there, but we can be creative. Connection, even online, is a good thing.  It should give us hope.     

I invite you to connect with someone today.  Whether you meet for a cup of coffee or you send a text or a message that says “I’m thinking of you, hope you are well”.  Points of connection matter.  Not only for your happiness, but for the happiness of others.  

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