As we step into 2025, I reflect on the past year and the profound lessons it taught me about connection's importance. One thing that stands out is that time does not sit still for anyone, and neither should we.
The Impact of Connection on Survival
Research has consistently shown that strong social connections are vital for our well-being. A study by Holt-Lunstad et al., (2010) found that people with robust social relationships have a 50% higher likelihood of survival than those more isolated. This finding underscores the critical importance of social bonds, revealing that the impact of social isolation on mortality is comparable to well-established risk factors such as smoking and obesity.
The Detrimental Effects of Social Isolation
The work of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2023) study demonstrated that a lack of social connections was associated with a higher risk of illnesses, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety, and depression. The evidence further revealed loneliness and social isolation had been shown to increase the risk of premature death by 26% and 29%, respectively. Suggests that social isolation can be as harmful to our health as smoking or obesity, emphasizing the need for strong social networks.
The Benefits of Social Support
Another surprising discovery comes from the Journal of Psychiatry Research (2020), which found that individuals with strong social support systems are better equipped to cope with stress and have a lower level of anxiety and depression. Their research highlights the stress-buffering effect of social support in maintaining mental well-being during challenging times.
A Personal Reflection
Reflecting on my experiences in 2024, I realize it was a year of disconnection. I consciously decided to disconnect from the constant demands of technology, responding only to relevant and necessary texts. While this allowed me some much-needed space, I now understand that I may not have been as intentional in maintaining connections with the people in my circle.
This realization hit home even harder when I discovered the passing of several friends and colleagues through social media platforms like Facebook. It became clear that suffering in silence is not okay, and we must make a concerted effort to reach out to those around us.
A Challenge for 2025
As we move into 2025, I am challenging myself to reconnect more intentionally. I plan to send a text each day to someone in my contacts whom I have not heard from in over a month. This simple act of reaching out will take just two minutes of my time but could mean the world to someone else. We need to check on our people and ensure that no one is suffering in silence.
I enthusiastically invite you all to join me in this exciting challenge! Let's make 2025 a year of intentionality and connection, spreading love and support to colleagues, associates, friends, or family you haven't connected with in over 30 days. Let's do this together! To your wellness, one connection at a time!
Written with gratitude,
By Darcelle
#PureWellnessOneCreationataTime!! #connectwithyour people #beintentional #mentalheatlh&wellbeingawareness
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