We often avoid calling our friends and relatives simply because we don’t have time. You might think your aunt is impossible to get off the phone with, or you might think your friend can’t possibly hang up until she’s given you every detail of her life over the past month.

But there’s evidence that a quick phone call is not only possible but it might also be the key to happiness.

Rather than connect for an hour a couple of times per year, your psychological well-being might be better served by more frequent, shorter calls.

In fact, 8 minutes seems to be the sweet spot. It’s enough time to connect and to boost your mood.

So in this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, I explain the research study that discovered the 8-minute phone call, how to actually get off the phone fast, and why it’s so good for you.

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