“Human connection is the most vital aspect of our existence. Without the sweet touch of another being, we are lonely stars in an empty space waiting to shine gloriously.” ~Joe Straynge

Blog shared by our Founder, Jen Owen, N.P. 

One of our core values at The Flourish Center is that “We believe that community is an essential ingredient for humans to thrive, and we strive to bring people together at our Center”. 

And there’s research to back us up.

According to the CDC, “Social connectedness influences our minds, bodies, and behaviors—all of which influence our health and life expectancy. Research shows that social connectedness can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being”. 

When you think about necessities for humans to survive, you probably think about food, water, air, and sleep. Feeling connected to other human beings is often forgotten.

In this day and age of technology it’s easier than ever to connect with human beings. Now we’re starting to miss out on being connected to other humans in their physical presence.

In the fabulous book, Belong, Radha Agrawal shares the following data:

~One in four American report that they have ZERO friends to confide in and discuss important matters with (and that was in 2006).

~One in three Americans over the age of sixty-five is socially isolated and the number goes up with age.

~Another study found that having weak social ties is as harmful to your health as being an alcoholic and twice as harmful as obesity.

~Yet another study found that isolation sets off a cellular chain reaction that increases inflammation and suppresses the body’s immune response to disease.

We are sick from loneliness!

In his book, Young Forever, Dr. Mark Hyman says, “Building community, creating belonging, nurturing relationships and support groups, even being in a knitting or bowling group, is associated with better health and longevity”.

He goes on to talk about how there’s even a new area of research called sociogenomics, which explains how our social and psychological environments influence our gene expression. “Loss of agency, rejection, loneliness, and social isolation impact our immune system, our hormones, and our gut”.

Basically we’re finding that social determinants of health, including community, relationships, stress, and sense of purpose and belonging, are just as important for your health as what you eat or how you move. 

So, be sure to get out and be with people. Join a new group, attend a social hour, take a walk with a friend, simply enjoy human connection, because it’s a necessity!