After spending the past week surrounded by the people I love the most to celebrate my brother's wedding, I can't help but reflect on the power of connection in our daily lives. As a self-professed introvert who enjoys solitary activities such as lonely walks and curling up with a book, the feeling of connection and the aftermath of a social gathering with loved ones can’t be beaten. It’s a giddy sensation- your heart feels full, your stomach tired from laughing, and you’re filled with happy memories.

A study published a few weeks ago emphasizes the importance of connection. It showed that having a conversation just once a day with a loved one or a friend can significantly improve your well-being and mental health. Experts encourage quality over quantity, such as a short phone call during your commute. It may feel intimidating to reach out to others out of the blue, and even minimal interaction may seem overwhelming. However, a study published last year involving more than 5900 participants showed that people appreciate "just because" communications. Across all experiments, some of which included participants sending a small gift or note, people felt the best after a loved one intentionally but unexpectedly connected with them, rather than vice versa. Most of us, especially introverts, underestimate how much other people appreciate us reaching out to them. This research identifies when and why we underestimate these feelings, indicating that the caller associates those feelings of surprise as negative while the receiver associates it as positive.

Connections have never been more important, as recent stats show a 25% increase in depression and anxiety worldwide. We are facing a loneliness epidemic, particularly affecting Gen Z. A study published a few years ago showed that loneliness can lead to a 30% increased risk of premature death. The situation is pretty dire.

Baby Steps

We all know how important it is to connect with others, and yet, it can be challenging to find the time and energy to do so, especially when we are busy with work, family, and other responsibilities. However, the benefits of human connections are vast, ranging from better mental health to a reduced risk of premature death.

So, what can we do differently? The Flourish Kit is all about baby steps and here are things you can do in the next few days to connect with others:

Make a couple of "just because" connections: Send a simple note, text, or, if you're feeling ambitious, call your friend, just because. If you see something that reminds you of a childhood friend, send them a text with an image. Even a short text or a two can have an incredible impact on your mood.

1. Dive into your hobbies: Whether it's a knitting circle or a group of watercolorists in a park, start looking for places where people who share your hobbies would meet. You would be surprised at how soon you start recognizing people in these places.

2. Take a class: If you have always wanted to learn a new language or a skill, consider enrolling in a class. It is a great opportunity to connect with other people in a low-pressure environment. I recently enrolled in a pottery class and while I am far from making my way to Stoke on Trent, I've had the opportunity to meet fascinating people and make new friends. So, don't be afraid to take a chance and enroll in a class that piques your interest!

3. Schedule a coffee or chai: Make time for face-to-face conversations: In today's digital age, it's easy to rely on text messages and social media to stay in touch. However, face-to-face conversations are crucial for building deeper connections with others.

4. Celebrate holidays and festivals: Whether it is Friendsgiving or Diwali, use holidays as a reason to meet up with people. It is totally ok to have a celebration that is unconventional and nontraditional, a meal with friends at a restaurant can have the same impact on your health as a traditional meal at home.

5. Volunteer: Volunteer for a local non-profit for a cause you are passionate about. Whether it is walking dogs or reading stories to children, there are a ton of options for interaction.

Making imperfect progress

Hosting a dinner party can be one of the most gratifying experiences, but the preparation and aftermath can often seem insurmountable. If you're looking to host an unfussy gathering, American cookbook author Alison Roman has some great tips on how to do so.

Firstly, don't worry if you don't have appropriate glassware. Use whatever glassware or cups you have on hand and encourage your guests to choose what they like. Instead of courses, consider breaking the meal up into snacks, a main meal, and dessert. Laying them all out and having people pick and choose what they like creates a relaxed atmosphere. Alison's newsletter is a treasure trove of ideas on this topic.

If you haven't finished cooking by the time guests arrive, don't sweat it. Set out some snacks; even veggies with a nice dip can count as snacks. Assign tasks to people as they arrive; this is one of the best ways to introduce people who may not know each other.

Don't worry about serving only homemade food. Store-bought ice cream with toppings can make for a great sundae bar, which is often a crowd-pleaser and the highlight of the evening. And if you aren't in the mood for any of the above, just order some good pizza and dessert. Everyone loves pizza. And pizza can do no wrong.

If you have to focus your energy on one thing, focus on creating a relaxed vibe. Dim the lights, play a lo-fi playlist, and set out an easy board game that people can either participate in or watch. With these tips, you can host an unfussy gathering that will leave everyone feeling happy and connected.

So what are you waiting for? Pick up your phone, and text your friend :)

Get flourishing,

 Gayathri