A Better You, Backed by Science article
Want to feel happier and live longer? Connect with others.
Did you know that positive interactions with others can boost happiness, support mental health, and even help us live longer?
It’s true.
Here’s an example of how it impacts happiness.
Scientists at Harvard and Yale studied over 12,000 people, mapping out their social connections. They found that those who were most connected were happier than those who were least connected.
Now you might think, “Surely it’s just that happier people tend to connect more?” – and that’s a fair point.
But even after controlling for that in the research, the findings held: people who increased their social interactions over time became happier.
Not just a little, either – there was a clear and measurable uplift.
Of course, it’s not an exact formula where one interaction gives you x% more happiness and two gives you y%.
It’s more of a general truth: connection boosts wellbeing.
But it doesn’t stop at happiness.
What about longevity?
Some studies of people over the age of 100 found that one of the strongest predictors of long life – even stronger than low stress or healthy blood pressure – was positive social interaction.
Yes, connection helps us live longer.
A major analysis of nearly 150 studies found that strong social relationships reduce our risk of death by 50%.
That’s not a small number!
Why?
Because we’re biologically wired to connect. It’s in our nature.
When we don’t connect, it’s a bit like starving the body of food.
So what’s going on in the body and brain?
Here are just a few reasons why connection is so good for us:
–it acts like buffer, supporting us through stress and life’s challenges.
–it grounds us, helping shift focus away from worries.
–it creates belonging, whether through close friendships, clubs, community.
-and it can even trigger dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
Even brief, everyday interactions count.
You don’t need a big social circle to feel the benefits. Research shows that what are called “weak ties” – like a chat with a shop assistant or saying hello to a neighbour – can also improve our mood and wellbeing.
Try This: Build a Habit of Connection
Here are a few simple ways to strengthen your social connections this week:
-Invite a friend or family member for a coffee or a walk.
-Say hello to a neighbour or chat with a shop assistant.
-Join a group, club, or community activity – even something online.
-Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
-Say yes to an invitation you might usually decline.
-Smile more – it opens the door to connection.
Even small moments of connection can have a big ripple effect.
Want to go deeper?
Watch my short YouTube video where I explore this science in more detail.
References (if you’d like to explore the research):
1. Social connection and happiness – BMJ study
2. Psychology today on happiness and connection
3. Social connection and longevity – University of New South Wales
4. Social connection and mortality – PloS Medicine
5. Stanford: How social connection supports dopamine and longevity
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