A mother and her grown daughters are enjoying a day touring around on e-bikes.
By Alison Crane
Researchers gain insight from surveys and polls. For instance, a Gallup-Healthways poll found that people who are alone all day are less happy and more stressed, and the reverse is reported by people who dedicate a large part of their days to social time. On average, American adults do not spend enough time socializing to reap the benefits of interacting with others.
People are intrinsically “social creatures,” but this built-in need to socialize is influenced by genetic makeup, experience, and nurture. Our genes provide a foundation for our temperament through our neurotransmitter pathways for mood or behavior. Genetics interacts with our social environment and experiences, which can have the effect of either physically altering gene expression or turn a gene “on” or “off” without changing the DNA makeup of the gene.
While our interactions combine with our nature to affect how much connection we crave or need, interactions also affect our physical and mental health. Positive social interactions, especially volunteering or benefiting others, tend to lead to better health. Where loneliness tends to lead to poorer health outcomes and even affects longevity. Taking time to socialize can show others you care and have a personal benefit.
February is considered the month for showing our love for others. Try these tips for increasing your social interactions:
- Aim to spend 3-6 hours daily interacting with other people. This can be family, friends, and coworkers.
- Join a club or group. Finding people with similar interests provides an easy way to start interactions and meet new people.
- Volunteer. Taking time to do something good or useful for others provides exponential benefits and provides opportunities to socialize.
Consider seeking guidance from a behavioral health professional if social anxiety or other barriers prevent you from forming connections. To learn more about volunteering and ways to improve your health and wellbeing, contact the Garland County Extension Service at 501-623-6841 or email acrane@uada.edu.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
{Catch up on past articles by Alison at thespringsmagazine.com/category/health-wellness/crane/.}
