Pillars of Health 5: Connectedness

Social connectedness refers to the relationships we have with others around us - family, friends, coworkers, fellow church members, club members, neighbors, etc.  These networks are critical to a healthy, functional life for the great majority of people.  But it isn’t just that we know a lot of people.  We need to have the relationship part, where we know, hear, and understand others, and are ourselves known, heard, and understood by them.  The amount of stress and difficulties a person can endure with such relationships is astonishing.  When we are isolated, without such relationships, it impacts almost every aspect of our lives.  When we blend positive psychology with connectedness, we live richer, fuller lives.