Socialize To Energize

During the month of April, we will explore all the ways you can increase your energy levels.

One of the great ironies of our modern world is that with the vast capability that we now have for constant connection, people often feel more lonely than ever. In fact, according to the Kaiser Foundation, over “a fifth of adults in the U.S. (22 percent) and the U.K. (23 percent) say they often or always feel lonely, feel that they lack companionship, feel left out, or feel isolated from others, about twice the share in Japan (nine percent), referred to here as those reporting loneliness or social isolation.” (ref)

A recent study published in the World Journal of Psychiatry demonstrates that social isolation causes low mood, fatigue, and depression (ref). Unfortunately the effect of isolation becomes greater as we age.

One solution to this modern trend is to socialize, so you can energize.

This turns out to be very effective for increasing one’s energy. Measures of social connection are some of the greatest predictors of happiness, lower stress, and higher productivity. Connecting with others matters!  We are social animals with the need for connection laced into our DNA.

We all lead busy lives, but we also need to recognize the importance of sharing time with others. You don’t have to be a party animal or social butterfly at all. Just hang with the people you enjoy, eat meals together when possible, play games, get exercise partners, get in sports leagues or craft clubs.

The outlet doesn’t matter nearly as much as finding something you enjoy doing with people you enjoy being with.