Human beings are naturally wired to be social creatures, even those of us with more introverted personalities. As far back as we can find evidence of human existence, people have traveled, hunted, and thrived in social groups because their survival depended on it. Humans who were separated from their tribe often suffered severe consequences.
Brene Brown, professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, specializes in social connection. In an interview, she stated: “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We get sick.”
Social groups teach us a set of skills that help us prosper in a complex environment and more than that, they provide us with an important part of our identity. Feeling socially connected, especially in an increasingly isolated world, is more important than ever.
However, in today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in our professional ambitions and personal goals, often inadvertently leading us to neglect the importance of building nurturing and healthy relationships. However, research consistently shows that having robust connections with others positively impacts various areas of our lives, including our physical and mental well-being, professional success, and overall happiness.
The Benefits of Healthy Relationships:
1. Improved Mental & Emotional Health: Strong social connections are associated with a lower risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Recent studies from Ireland and the USA have found that negative social interactions and relationships, especially with intimate partners or spouses, increase the risk of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. In contrast, positive interactions reduce the risk of these issues. Healthy relationships provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping mechanisms, and foster a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
2. Enhanced Physical Well-being: Studies have shown that individuals with solid social networks experience better physical health outcomes. Having supportive relationships can boost immunity, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, lower blood pressure, and promote faster recovery from illnesses. People who lack strong social support tend to have dramatic and potentially dangerous physiological reactions to stressful or worrisome situations including increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. But friends can help keep the heart on a more even keel by offering ways to reframe their perspective interpretation of their situation or by encouraging each other to respond to the situation in healthier ways. A 2007 study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that young men and women discussing rough patches in their lives had a lower pulse and blood pressure when they had a supportive friend at their side. Additionally, friendships may help encourage adoption of a healthy lifestyle. As reported in Current Opinion in Psychiatry in 2008, people are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, and successfully quit smoking if they have a network of friends and family.
3. Increased Resilience: Healthy relationships provide a safety net during challenging times, offering emotional support, advice, and encouragement. These relationships play a crucial role in helping individuals bounce back from setbacks and navigate life's hurdles with greater ease. Strong relationships are a key enabler in achieving resilience. People who build open, honest and trustworthy relationships with others, and are able to share their challenges and ask for help, have a strong network and support system that enables them to be highly resilient and achieve their goals.
4. Personal Growth: Healthy relationships serve as mirrors, helping us gain insight into our strengths and weaknesses. Interacting with others brings new perspectives, challenges our beliefs, and enables personal growth as we strive to be better versions of ourselves. When you feel that you have someone in your life who will support you no matter what, you are more confident and self-assured, enabling you to take greater risks and chase after your dreams because you have a strong foundation of support no matter the outcome.
5. Work Success: A research study by Julia K. Boehm and Sonja Lyubomirsky considering evidence from three types of studies showed that happiness is in turn predictive of workplace success. And when you dig deeper to explore what “happiness” at work means for employees, it comes down to positive relationships. Building healthy relationships at work fosters a positive and productive environment, leading to increased job satisfaction, greater creativity, and improved problem-solving abilities. Strong partnerships with colleagues can also provide valuable career opportunities and professional support, and mentorship.
So, we can clearly see some of the ways that relationships impact areas of our lives, but reading and maintaining human connections isn't always simple, straightforward, or healthy. Any time two people are involved in an interactive long-term relationship, things have the potential to get complicated. We all know that some relationships can be stressful and even destructive, and some people seem to need friends more than others. As social scientists continue to study the multi-layered complexities of human connections, the rest of us are faced with a different challenge: building and keeping the kind of connections that truly make life better.
Tips for Fostering Healthy Relationships:
1. Be Authentic: Authenticity is the foundation of healthy relationships. Take the time to explore yourself deeply, embrace your true self, and carry yourself in integrity. Make decisions and act in ways that align with your personal core beliefs, morals, and ethics. Be genuine in your interactions, and surround yourself with those who appreciate you for who you are.
2. Cultivate Active Listening: In communication, active listening is important because it keeps you engaged with your conversation partner in a positive way. It also makes the other person feel heard and valued. This skill is the foundation of a successful conversation in any setting—whether at work, at home, or in social situations. Listening attentively and empathetically is the key to all successful relationships. Practice active listening by being fully present, maintaining eye contact, ask open-ended questions to encourage further responses, and validating others' feelings and experiences by withholding judgment and refraining from offering advice unless they are asking for assistance.
3. Set Boundaries: Healthy boundaries define what is appropriate behavior in our relationships – behavior that allows both parties to feel safe. Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for self-care and cultivating positive relationships. Establishing clear boundaries helps create healthy relationships by fostering mutual respect and preventing emotional burnout. Setting healthy boundaries requires self-awareness. We need to be clear about our expectations of ourselves and others, and what we are and are not comfortable with in specific situations. Setting healthy boundaries requires assertive communication skills. Clearly communicate your needs and expectations while respecting others' boundaries as well.
4. Nurture Common Interests: Sharing common interests or engaging in shared activities helps foster meaningful connections. Join clubs, groups, or communities centered around your hobbies, passions, or professional interests to meet like-minded individuals. Introducing your partner or friend to your personal hobby or interest is a fantastic way to show you want to involve one another in your lives.
5. Be Open to New Experiences: Stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new environments will expose you to diverse perspectives and potential new professional and personal connections. Attend social gatherings, network professionally, and be open to forming connections in unexpected places.
In a world that often emphasizes individual success, the significance of healthy relationships cannot be overstated. Cultivating genuine, healthy balanced connections has a profound impact on our mental, physical, and emotional well-being while positively influencing our personal growth, work success, and overall happiness. By following the tips mentioned above and investing effort into building strong friendships, partnerships, family dynamics, and intimate relationships, we can lead richer, more fulfilling lives that are supported by a strong network of healthy and nourishing connections. Remember, great relationships don't just happen; they are consciously built and nurtured.
If you are looking to learn more about yourself and deepen your connections with others, I invite you to explore my group programs and events.
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