The Happiness Advantage - Principle #7 - Social Investment
This week we will look at Principle # 6: Social Investment.
Background
When you are tired and stressed; Deadlines at work, long shifts, papers due at uni (and usually all at the same time), what do you do? What's the first thing that drops off your to-do-list. Is it exercise? Is it TV? For many, it is socialising with people. Friends, family, even the spouses, get de-prioritised for work/uni.
Why is that? Maybe less of a habit?
Maybe they are more forgiving?
We often take our relationships for granted.
Not only can this be detrimental to relationships, but it also has a detrimental effect on happiness and success.
Achor states that evolutionary psychologists claim that when we make a positive social connection, oxytocin (the same hormone we get during sex) is released into our bloodstream. This reduces anxiety and increases focus and concentration.
Evidence
One study found that those who suffered a heart attack and had received emotional support during the 6 months after were more likely to survive.
Another study found that life expectancy doubled in women who participated in a breast cancer support group.
Researchers have found that social support had as greater effect on life expectancy as smoking, obesity and physical activity.
Toolkit
The answer to this one seems brutally simple. Socialise more. Invest in your social relationships.
Go and speak to people down the hallway. Greet people in the hallway and look them in the eye. Schedule face-to-face meetings.
Leaders can also have an effect. Introduce new team members to everyone. Introduce people from different departments to each other.
It seems pretty simple then. Invest in social relationships. They will help you and help others. It is literally a win-win situation!
Photo by gradyreese/iStock / Getty Images
Conclusion
We humans are social creatures. However, when our calendars fill-up we seem to think we can get away without our social supports. Research has found have social and emotional support helps us heal better and increases our life expectancy. It also helps to reduce anxiety, increase focus and improve concentration. See if you can work in social interaction into your everyday life. Say hello in the hallway. Have face to face meetings. Connect with others. You’ll likely see and feel the difference.
