Flourish Health & Wellbeing eMagazine - Jan21 - Flipbook - Page 56
Community
Finally, community composes of two main factors. The first of these is social connections.
Research has shown that loneliness increases the prominence of depression, along with a
number of negative physical health impacts like cognitive performance, immune system,
vascular problems, inflammation and heart disease.
Friendships and human connections, no
matter how small they may seem, are
good for our health. So, plan to spend
time with a friend instead of catching up
via text, or, if you’re in the office, make an
effort to talk to more work colleagues
instead of sending them an email.
Remember, you’re looking for better
quality interactions, so sitting down for a
coffee with a friend will be far better for
your mental wellbeing than anything
virtual.
The second factor within community is giving.
When we give, our bodies produce feel-good
hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin and
dopamine. The great thing about giving is that
these hormones are addictive! So, if you give
once, then you’re more likely to want to do it
again.
You can receive the wellbeing boost giving
provides you by:
Spending money on others.
Spending time with others.
Performing acts of kindness.
Complimenting someone.
Making someone laugh.
Telling someone about how you feel.
