Posted by Dr Michelle Wright
Welcome to this week’s Health Matters. Today, thinking about the power of human connection – how relationships with others shape our health, our happiness, and our sense of belonging.
What is the link between social connection and health?
In fact, social well-being isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential. Research by Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad – a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young university in the United States and an expert in the link between social connection and health – found that chronic loneliness and poor social networks are as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. While being socially connected increases our survival odds by 50%.
So, relationships aren’t just about emotional support – they can literally save your life.
How do we benefit from social connections?
We benefit from social connection in several important ways:
- Friends and family can provide emotional support which helps us navigate challenges and manage stress.
- Being part of a community gives us a sense of belonging and purpose, boosting self-esteem and a more positive outlook.
- Strong social networks reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and support longevity.
- And interacting with others reduces loneliness and lifts mood.
What if you are an expat?
That’s all well and good, but what happens when life takes you far from home, like when you’re an expat as many listeners to WRS are?
Living in a foreign country brings exciting opportunities but also unique challenges:
- It can feel isolating and lonely without your usual support system.
- Differences in language and cultural barriers can make connection difficult.
- And with the distance from loved ones, missing important moments back home can feel heavy.
As expats, we can take steps to build community by:
- Joining local or expat groups to meet like-minded people.
- Learning the language to break down barriers.
- Staying curious and embracing cultural differences as opportunities to grow.
- And of course, keeping in touch with loved ones to stay grounded. And there are so many ways available now to allow this virtually.
What are some strategies to help build relationships?
Wherever you are, building meaningful relationships takes effort. Strategies that can help in the relationship-building process include:
- Active listening – showing genuine interest and care when people share.
- Practicing empathy – understanding others’ feelings helps to deepen connections.
- And being vulnerable – sharing your true self with others helps to build trust and authenticity.
Why practicing self-compassion is also important
But I think while nurturing relationships with others is vital, it’s also important to practice self-compassion. Strong relationships start with a healthy relationship with yourself.
- Prioritising self-care allows you to recharge through activities that nourish your mind and body.
- Setting healthy boundaries means you can protect your time and energy for what matters most.
- And then treating yourself with the same compassion you’d offer a friend helps build self-belief and resilience, allowing you to connect more positively with others.
Final thoughts: social well-being is vital for happiness and health.
Whether you’re at home or abroad, small steps like reaching out to others, joining a group, or practicing self-care can make a big difference. Don’t underestimate the power of human connection.
