We are wired for connection and created to be social beings. Our relationships—or lack of them—affect us both mentally and physically. Social engagement strengthens the immune system, supports cognitive functioning, and benefits cardiovascular health. Simply being with others can help us live longer and improve our quality of life. In this sense, social connection is medicine. Positive interaction releases three key neurotransmitters: oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Oxytocinis often called the “love hormone,” while serotonin and dopamine are associated with pleasure and well-being and canreduce stress, depression, and anxiety. These same reward chemicals help explain why some substances become addictive. Although some people are more introverted than others, introverts still benefit from social connection, even if extroverts may experience those benefits more strongly.
Isolation, on the other hand, triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can increase inflammation in the body. In the short term, cortisol and other stress hormones play an important role and may be necessary in situations such as danger. Inflammation can also be helpful when the body needs to heal from injury. However, chronic stress and inflammation are harmful and can contribute to long-term illness. Isolation can keep cortisol levels elevated, leading to inflammation in organs such as the brain and heart, as well as inblood vessels and arteries. Isolation increases the risk for dementia, stroke heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety and suicide.
A study conducted with mice that were subjected to conditions to induce strokes found that mice that tended to isolate compared to mice that were more communal experienced more catastrophic strokes, had poorer recovery rates, worse symptoms and most likely to die. Although we are not mice, it is not the first study with mice to help guide research and draw out inferences for humans.
Numerous studies have been conducted on the impact of isolation upon humans. A study on 300,000 people found thatpeople with a weaker social network for 50% more likely to die within a seven and one half year time span. The Longevity study which involved millions of people found that people prone to isolation had a thirty two percent (32%) higher risk of mortalityby any cause than people who were socially engaged.
People living in isolation increased during COVID but unfortunately isolation has increased and remains higher today than pre-COVID. More people are working from home, increase in the use of social media, increased opportunities for technological engagement, and video platforming are a few contributors to the increase of isolation and the reduction of the quality of social interaction. Research has found that sixty-nine percent (69%) of Americans are lacking emotional support.
Dr. Ben Rein, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, found that nearly everyone experiences some anxietyin social situations, not only those with social phobia. Hisresearch suggests that we tend to underestimate how much others like us, undervalue the benefits of social interaction, lack confidence socially, and overestimate the likelihood of rejection.
In his book Why Brains Need Friends, Dr. Rein offers several ways to strengthen social engagement. One recommendation isto “level up” how we connect: make a phone call instead of sending a text, choose a video call over a voice call, and meet inperson when possible. Studies show that each step toward more direct interaction increases the benefits of social connection.
Try initiating brief conversations with strangers, such as someone at a gas pump or in a checkout line. Even small, casual interactions can be meaningful. Offer compliments when appropriate, and afterward, reflect on how the exchange affected you.
In summary, engaging with others is a powerful way to improveour wellbeing. It can be simple and for sure cost effective. And if we connect with others from an altruistic perspective the benefits increase. Hope to see you soon on your Journey to Wellness!
