HUMAN CONNECTION IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Our heart yearns for human connection. Social isolation has negative effects on mental and physical health. During social distancing, it was apparent that people experienced boredom, loneliness, and depression. People are not always aware of their mental health issues which appear as insomnia, food cravings, irritability, loneliness, impatience, apathy, and lethargy. Eating more, consuming alcohol more, or watching more YouTube are ways in which we use to cope with discomfort and distress. Eating that delicious chocolate cake makes you forget about how much you miss people. However, the relief is only temporary and weight gain is permanent.

Absence makes our heart grow fonder. When we reconnect with people after a long period of absence, the experience feels like a special occasion. We may realize that we have taken them for granted and perhaps we will remember to not do it again. When the city eased social restrictions, people began planning social visits and vacation trips with their friends and family. Social connections, seeing and talking to people in-person is good for our health and longevity. In places and communities where people have close social connections, we can see elderly people who are living long, healthy, and happy lives. Human connection is good for your health.