Building Friendships & Relationships

The United States General Surgeon recently announced that the United States is experiencing a loneliness epidemic that is as dangerous for human health as is smoking 15 cigarettes a day.  Unfortunately, in Canada, we’re not doing much better.  In 2021, approximately 40% of Canadians reported feeling lonely sometimes or all of the time.  The UK, Japan and New Zealand have also reporting an epidemic of loneliness.

At TWC, loneliness is a growing theme we see amongst clients and corporations.  Therefore, as the warmer weather approaches, we want to encourage that we put effort into spending more time in real life with real people, as opposed to being stuck behind a screen, scrolling whatever addictive algorithms are being fed to us.

For those who don’t know, the lack of social connectedness is a major contributing factor to poor mental health.  For years, research has informed us that when we lack social connection, we are more at risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep difficulties and increased stress.  That’s the bad news.  However, the positive is this – it is never too late to create meaningful relationships. 

Below are some ideas to help get you started:

1)    Go through your contacts on your phone, social media – remind yourself of the connections you once made.  Is there anyone you’d like to reconnect with?  Perhaps an old mentor, a friend from elementary school, a classmate from university?  Take a deep breath, summon the courage and reach out.  You never know what may follow.

2)    Volunteer.  Look for opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.  Perhaps you’re passionate about the environment, or homelessness.  Reach out to a local soup kitchen or community centre and explore ways that you can contribute to something bigger than yourself – it will nourish both you and others.

3)    Join a sports league.  No need to get competitive – although if that’s your thing, go for it!  However, even if it’s just for fun – meeting new people and getting regular movement to release those endorphins are a great way to build new connections.

4)    Grow in your spirituality.  Before you roll your eyes, please note that individuals who are connected with a faith-based community tend to do better on every spectrum – mentally, physically, emotionally, socially – all of it.  Remember that spirituality is a spectrum – from being mindfully connected in nature, to organized religion and meditation retreats.  There are so many opportunities to strengthen this part of your life, while also exploring new relationships. 

5)    Say yes when you’re invited out.  Whether it’s a work social, or a family friend’s BBQ – start saying yes.  Start putting it out into the universe that you want to connect, that you are open to building new connections, that you will make the best of whatever social event you find yourself in.  Put care and effort into each of your interactions – and watch your social life bloom.

Wishing you a bright, energizing & socially engaging summer :)