We humans thrive in community. It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert or extrovert. Studies show that tending to quality relationships and giving back boost your happiness, health and sense of well-being.
Giving social support, whether volunteering or being there for friends, neighbors or family, is associated with lower mortality. (1)
“Close relationships, more than money or fame,… protect people from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes.” (2)
Volunteering and reaching out to friends and loved ones are things we can do, even while navigating current limitations. And guess what else can help.
Yes indeed! Practicing mindfulness can facilitate your ability to reach out and build healthier relationships.
Mindfulness helps us be more present and attentive. It’s easy to imagine how your friend, family, colleague or partner will benefit if they feel seen and heard.
Mindfulness decreases reactivity and improves emotion regulation. When you’re less easily triggered, it’s possible to mitigate conflict.
Mindfulness can help us combat the negativity bias and build the intention to look for and appreciate the good.
May is mental health awareness month, and the theme is You Are Not Alone. Show your support (and reap the benefits) by building connections...to individuals, to communities, to loved ones, to yourself.
Ready? Set? Get started on finding connection:
Check out 20 ways to share kindness. Pick a few and fire ‘em up.
Set a goal to call a friend, join a group or find another way to build and nurture social connection.
Volunteer in your community. Find ways to offer yourself. What gifts can you share with others? In what ways can you be generous?
Meditate. You can find some guided practices on M2’s YouTube channel. Loving Kindness and Just Like Me are particularly good ones to build compassion.
We are holding space for you.