Social connections are the invisible threads that weave together our mental, physical, and emotional well-being, offering a powerful foundation for health, happiness, and longevity that extends far beyond simple companionship.
We console one another after misfortune, hug loved ones for reassurance and celebrate together in times of happiness. The importance of our social connections cannot be overstated. We need contact with others throughout all stages of life. These connections form safety nets that preserve mental health and feelings of belonging. Our emotions spread not only to each other but to friends of friends, and even beyond to the furthest reaches of our social network.
In our increasingly digital world, the fundamental importance of genuine social connections can’t be overstated. Research consistently shows that meaningful human relationships aren’t just pleasant – they’re essential for our physical and mental well-being.
Social contagion refers to the phenomenon where behaviors, emotions, and ideas spread through networks of people. This powerful social process explains how everything from habits and fashion trends to emotional states and health behaviors can ripple through communities and social groups.
When we change our behavior as a result of interactions with others, this is an example of social contagion. This theory says our entire social network influences our actions, including family, friends, peers, and co-workers. When your friends adopt healthy habits like regular exercise or nutritious eating, you’re up to 57% more likely to engage in similar behaviors. Conversely, negative health behaviors like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can also spread through social ties. Even weight management shows strong social network effects – studies indicate that if your close friend becomes obese, your own chance of obesity increases.
Our habits are highly susceptible to the habits of those around us, even if we are unaware of it. Social connections appear to be a strong determinant of a person’s body size, weight, sleep habits, level of happiness, diet, and more.
Beyond physical health, social connections provide emotional resilience. When we share our experiences with others, our brains release oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone,” which helps reduce stress and builds trust. Regular social interaction keeps our minds sharp too – engaging conversations stimulate cognitive function and may help prevent memory decline as we age.
Studies have revealed that strong social connections can boost our immune system, lower anxiety and depression, increase our sense of self-worth, and even extend our lifespan. People with robust social networks have been shown to have a 50% greater chance of longevity compared to those with fewer social ties.
Social influences are strong, and they can override our willpower. This is evident to anyone who has brought donuts into work, because many of those coworkers who reached for a donut awoke with any plan to do so. This brings up the potential for social connections to have negative influences on our ability to stick with particular healthy habits, but the reverse is also true. For example, if your friends become more health-conscious, you’re more likely to adopt healthier behaviors yourself. Similarly, emotional states can spread through social networks, which is why one person’s mood can influence their entire social circle.
Research has identified many detriments of social contagion, such as likelihood to begin smoking based on who we interact with, but other studies highlight the positives. In this recent study, when someone starts a new exercise program and shares this to their social media contacts, friends or coworkers, this healthy behavior is often picked up by others. The new exerciser receives encouragement from their network, and the network benefits from adopting the same healthy habit. This suggests that we can leverage social connections to help spread positive behavior change.
Our social connections at work enhance the employee experience. As we learn more about our colleagues, we develop greater rapport and trust. This benefits communication and can results in higher performing teams. How can we help employees have fewer donuts and cigarettes in favor of healthier habits? The answer is through wellness programming.
Offering wellness programs improves the overall culture of health and wellbeing across the organization while also supporting employee performance. These programs vary, but the best ones are far more than just healthy food options or walking meetings. Workplace wellness programs facilitate relationship building in ways that support employee morale. They help participants learn from their peers, regardless of which department or specific task an employee oversees. This improves communication across departments and aids collaboration.
Whether it’s celebrating achievements or supporting each other through challenges, having people to lean on makes life’s journey more manageable. Social networks provide practical benefits too, from job opportunities to shared resources and knowledge.
In fact, having a friend at work has been shown to enhance employee satisfaction by 50%! Plus, employees with stronger social networks have an increased sense of wellbeing, a more positive mood, and are healthier and more productive in the workplace. Furthermore, when your friends adopt healthy habits like regular exercise or nutritious eating, you are more likely to engage in similar behaviors. If your peers regularly schedule preventive check-ups or adopt new wellness practices, you’re more likely to follow suit. Cultivating relationships with health-minded individuals can significantly impact your own health trajectory.
Focusing on healthy habits using a wellness program creates buzz around a common positive goal. This sets the stage for employees to get to know other health-motivated coworkers throughout the organization and gain friendships at work.
In today’s world, making and maintaining social connections might require more conscious effort than in the past. However, the investment is worth it. Whether it’s joining a local club, gym, volunteering, reconnecting with old friends, finding new friends or simply making time for regular family dinners, each step toward stronger social bonds is a step toward better health and happiness.
Remember, it’s never too late to strengthen existing relationships or form new ones. Your social well-being is as crucial as any other aspect of your health.
The quality of connections matters more than quantity. Deep, meaningful relationships have a more significant impact than numerous superficial ones. This means investing time in nurturing relationships with family, friends, and community members through authentic interactions and shared experiences.
Want to learn more about the social connections supported by Treo Wellness? Schedule a demo or send us a message at info@treowellness.com!
Laura Kuglitsch is a Certified Wellness Coach and Account Manager with Treo Wellness. She has a background in Kinesiology and holds a Master’s Degree in Health and Wellness Management. She is certified as a personal trainer, resiliency coach, and behavior change specialist. With over 15 years of experience in the wellness industry within a variety of settings, Laura enjoys teaching others about living a healthy lifestyle. She believes that living a healthy lifestyle does not have to be a one size fits all approach. Find what you enjoy doing, experience the moments and laugh along the way.
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