Surprise! (courtesy Dr. Andy McLean)
In a previous “Words on well-being” column, I focused on the occupational hazard of loneliness. I wanted to offer a few additional comments to that discussion here.
Many people feel that they are too busy to maintain social connections, or that the benefits might not outweigh the effort of reaching out.
As it turns out, though, studies show it takes very little effort to have a significant positive impact by simply reaching out to others:
- In one study, Liu, et al., found that those reaching out underestimated the positive impact on those they contacted. This impact was even more influential for those who might not be as closely tied to each other, and for those who would not be expecting such outreach.
- Another study by Kumar and Epley on expressing gratitude, found similar results, and, as with the Liu study, noted how initiators overestimated any sense of awkwardness or discomfort such efforts might cause.
- Finally, Hall and colleagues studied individuals from five university campuses and noted that initiating basic communications as simple as “catching up” or “listening” led to improved well-being for both parties by day’s end. They also found that in-person interaction had even more impact than virtual/social media.
As has been discussed in previous columns, social connectedness can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve self-esteem. (For those of you who want to avoid such “touchy-feely” terms and topics, tell yourself that you are simply influencing your monoamine neurotransmitters [dopamine, serotonin], neuropeptides [endorphins], and neurohormones such as oxytocin when you take action).
In reaching out to someone, if you can, do a quick “stop-by.” If you can send a brief email, text, or phone message: wonderful. Take 30-60 seconds to make someone’s (including your own) day better.
Reminder, if you would like to share inspirational quotes, stories, or ideas which might be helpful to others, please feel free to email our colleague Dr. Melissa Naslund at melissa.naslund@UND.edu.
