How a Lack of Relationships Impacts Your Health

Your relationships influence your well-being. And not establishing solid connections with others could adversely affect your health, both mentally and physically.

Believe it or not, we’ve become an anti-social society. Having a long list of LinkedIn contacts or friends on Facebook may seem like you’re networking and being sociable, but it can really make you feel less attached. “As a society, we have built stronger Wi-Fi connections over time,” says Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, “but our personal connections have deteriorated.”

That’s because you may be connecting TO people, but you’re not really connecting WITH them. And this can have a negative effect on your health. If you have a lack of relationships and don’t establish meaningful connections it can result in:

A shorter life span – You could increase it if you develop and maintain healthy associations; according to renowned psychologist Susan Pinker, only “25% of genetics are responsible for people living longer and the other 75% is social.”

Higher blood pressure – You can lower stress levels and blood pressure by fostering connections and spending time with quality individuals. As stated in this research study in Psychology Today: “…maintaining strong social bonds, starting from a young age, increases life expectancy by reducing health risks throughout a person’s life.“

Feelings of loneliness – Did you know research shows that loneliness has the same effect as 15 cigarettes a day in terms of health care outcomes and health care costs? You could overcome this by networking and surrounding yourself with like-minded people.

Feelings of unhappiness – You can contribute to an overall happier and healthier way of life by establishing rapport and really connecting with other individuals. As stated in this study: “A large body of research demonstrates that social relationships are associated with better physical and mental health,” and, “Having a larger or more diverse social network seems to boost self-esteem.”

It’s up to you to nurture your spheres of influence and create the right social connections to avoid leading an unhealthy life. But what can you do to cultivate these relationships and maintain your health and happiness?

Connect with Yourself First

To generate meaningful connections with others, you must first learn how to connect with yourself. When you discover what’s most fulfilling in your own life, this strengthens your feelings toward attaining certain goals, which helps your sense of purpose. And engaging in positive activities and connecting with those who share your objectives establishes your worth and value, and aids in fostering healthy relationships.

When you have an optimistic mindset about your life in general, you’re more likely to take part in healthier practices. This includes keeping up regularly with physical fitness, better sleeping habits, and following a balanced diet. A positive outlook causes less stress—leading to greater happiness. And when you have a happy and healthy lifestyle you can create strong emotional bonds in networking.

Get Out and Network

As the expert in leadership training Dale Carnegie put it: “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” So, attend a networking event, accept that invite for happy hour with your girlfriends, volunteer with co-workers, become part of a club or hobby group, or maybe host a game night. It’s good for your health! And you will be glad you did.

Even given our current circumstances where most gatherings are happening online using video conferencing through Zoom or other chat services you can still achieve this. Collaborating directly with people through a shared interest or activity, especially one that requires a certain level of personal contact, creates a way for you to open yourself up while you establish bonds and build your networks. And when you make it a habit to do so, you won’t even need to think twice about accomplishing it.

Always Value Your Relationships

Do you know what people regret most?

Coming in at #4 from the book The Top Five Regrets of The Dying by Bronnie Ware is: “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.”

Take heed of this advice and make a point to consistently nurture your friendships, you’re probably more valuable to each other than you realize. Especially those you’re closely connected with; not only do they help shape you as a person and are influential in your success, but your strong bonds can aid in your happiness and keep you healthy.

“If you want to know if people are happy, don’t ask them how much money they have in the bank. Don’t ask how large their take-home salary is. Ask them about their friends.”

(From The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People by David Niven, PhD)

But what if you haven’t spoken in years? It’s never too late to reconnect with friends you may have lost touch with and to reestablish relationships. Hey, we all know how life happens! Just don’t wait too long to do so, and then regret it.

Fostering the right connections through networking isn’t necessarily easy. But not only is it important—it’s essential for your health. Take the time to consider your relationships and ensure that you are building yourself a solid and robust network that contributes positively to your own well-being.

Become NetWorkWise Certified

Do you want to learn the key steps to networking your way to health and happiness? Enroll in our certification course! Through self-paced micro-courses, downloadable resources, quiz questions and action steps, this online training helps you gain an understanding of the right way to cultivate and nurture connections. Once complete, you receive credentials validating you as an expert in creating world-class relationships. I encourage you to sign up day and become a NetWorkWise Certified Professional!

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