One of the top ways to increase our health is by socializing.  Loneliness causes more stress on our bodies and mind than you think!  Social interaction is critical for our well-being. A lack of social interaction can also increase your risk of mental and physical health problems. So, you ask… why is being social so important? Here’s 5 reasons:

1.  Improved immunity – Social interactions can improve your immune system, and social isolation can weaken it. Why? Stress can make our immune systems less efficient, and loneliness and a lack of social connectedness may cause stress
2. Less inflammation – Low social support is linked with higher levels of inflammation in the body because stress can cause inflammation. Chronic inflammation can contribute to many serious diseases, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cancer
3. Better cardiovascular health – Being social is good for your heart and the more pleasant and positive, the better!  These interactions have been found to lower blood pressure.
4. Improved cognitive skills – Being social can help you stay sharp as you age. When you socialize your brain practices several skills including memory retrieval and language. I love hearing stories of my client’s pasts.  Some funny, some sad….but that history is what makes you be YOU!
5. Longer life – Socializing can improve your physical health, so it isn’t a surprise that people with strong social connections tend to live longer. Research shows that being social can reduce your risk of premature death, and a lack of social relationships can have a greater influence on mortality than the lack of exercise and obesity.

Give these 5 simple ways a try:

1. Call an old friend and reconnect
2. Reach out to a relative and tell them you are thinking of them
3. Say hi and smile to neighbors when out for your daily walks
4. Ask the cashier at the store how they are doing today
5. Invite a friend to lunch

Go ahead! Try one! And then give yourself a high 5 for making a positive difference in your health!