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Connection seems to be a powerful happiness booster
Kids who are more socially connected grow up to be happier—connection even seems to have a stronger impact on happiness than academic achievement.
Feeling connected makes us kind
In one study, people who thought or wrote about connection were more likely to be kind and helpful by donating money to charity or planning to volunteer.
Connection is good for our health
Adults with a stronger network of friends live longer, and seniors who are more socially active experience less cognitive decline and disability. Meanwhile, lonely people tend to have more stress and higher blood pressure.
We evolved to be social creatures
Our ancestors needed to cooperate and work together to survive. The imprints of that history can be seen in our biology, from the flow of the hormone oxytocin to our keen sense of touch.
Connection creates ties
Social connections come in many different forms, from casual acquaintances to lifelong friends. Having a range of “strong” and “weak” ties makes us healthier and more likely to succeed in life.
For more on the science of connection, visit the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
Here are 3 exercises, provided by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, to help you build connection right now.
