If there is anything that the past couple years have highlighted throughout the world, it is the critical role that connection – sincere human connection – plays in our lives. We are all so significantly impacted by these connections as they allow us to see the world in ways we may never see it otherwise. In today's episode, McKay explores the power of human connection, revealing its importance to both your health and your happiness.

He starts off by discussing a research study that showed the relationship between high blood cholesterol and heart health. Mckay goes on to cite studies which demonstrated that when we feel connection in our life, we are healthier, others proving that loneliness increases the risk of death more than obesity and causes chronic health problems. He urges us to start connecting, shares practical tips for making connections, and mentions that a few high-quality friends are better than dozens of friends. Our host also delves into just how much motives matter, how we have to be sincere in making connections, and sums up by elaborating on the role of social connection in protecting against depression or symptoms of depression. In essence, what McKay proves beyond a shadow of a doubt here today is that strong relationships and positive connections are key factors to living a happier and healthier life.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

• What studies show about the relationship between high blood cholesterol and heart health
• Kelly Harding's survey on the impact of hand holding and hugging
• The importance of social connection
• The effects of lack of connection, loneliness, and emotional isolation
• A study showing the relationship between dementia and social connection
• Findings from studies by Dr. Vivek Murthy, Dr. Julianne Holt Linstead, Dr. Jeffrey Hall, 3 Wishes program, and others about loneliness and connection.
• How to connect better
• The value of motives, sincerity, and purpose in connections
• The concept of writing in reverse
• The role of social connection in protecting us against depression or symptoms of depression.
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Quotes:

"Author Kelly Harding says that a sense of connection impacts health in significant ways. She says, 'The sense of connection from touch is more than emotional. It's also physiological. Holding hands, for example, lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol.'"

"When we feel connection in our life, we're healthier. We can be the best version of ourselves. In your life and mine, connection matters."

"In a meta-analysis that looked at the health of over 4 million people, obesity increased the risk of early death by 30%, but loneliness increased the risk by 50%."

"The people who were most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80."

"Positive connections with others is a powerful way to live a happier and healthier life."

"When you interact with others, there is social contagion. That means if those you connect with are healthier, exercise and eat better, you're also more apt to exercise and eat better."

"To open our eyes to bigger and better ways of living to improve our health and happiness, we need to become better at connecting - connecting with our community, with our team, our family, and ourselves."

"There's a natural tendency to withdraw instead of approaching others when we're lonely. We're embarrassed by our loneliness, and that keeps us from connecting."

"If you're currently building a business or leading a team or a family, or going about life and other important endeavors, put in the power of connecting to what you do. It will bring an element of richness and service and fulfillment and joy to your life and the lives of others."

"Mother Teresa said, 'If we have no peace, it's because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.'"

"Fewer high-quality friendships are more beneficial than having dozens of friends."

"Simon Sinek said, 'People don't buy what you do. They buy why you do what you do.' In short, our motives matter. Genuine motives trump tactics every time."

"When you're genuinely interested in another person and you are seeking to be interested before being interesting, you'll likely succeed in the connection."

"My experience is that when we connect in sincerity, we find connections we might not otherwise find."

"Smiling actually changes our own feeling, helping us feel better, and it's contagious, helping the other person feel better as well."

Show Links:

Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen