Close relationships are a fundamental human need that, when fulfilled, is positively associated with subjective well-being. Community is essential for achieving our well-being. Feeling comfortable with the people around us and knowing that we have someone by our side on this journey is incredibly important. That’s why today, we’ll explore together why we are happier around others.
What Are The Benefits of Community?
According to Harvard University, research shows that our relationships with others, rather than what we see in the mirror or find in our wallets, may be what matters most. This concept held true for our cave-dwelling ancestors, who formed elaborate social structures to increase their odds of survival.
We are social beings. The words we use, the clothes we wear, and the choices we make, all reflect the environment around us. We are not complete without others. We need interpersonal relationships to survive. Sharing a meal, engaging in an enriching conversation, giving a hug—these are practices that shape us, help us keep going, and add value to our lives.
Connecting with others pushes us out of our comfort zone. It teaches us that there are different ways of living, and we must accept them with love and respect. Some of the benefits of community are:
- Broadening Our Minds
Being part of a community exposes us to different perspectives, cultures, and experiences, allowing us to expand our understanding and challenge our own assumptions.
- Improved Social Skills
Interacting with others in a community setting helps us develop better communication skills, empathy, and the ability to navigate different social situations.
- Support in Difficult Times
In a community, you have people to lean on during tough times, whether for emotional support, practical help, or simply a listening ear.
- Making a Positive Impact
Communities offer opportunities to contribute, whether through volunteering, supporting others, or participating in initiatives that benefit society as a whole.
- More Opportunities
Being part of a community opens doors to personal and professional opportunities, from networking to gaining new experiences and connections.
- Increased Sense of Belonging
Community gives us a sense of belonging, which improves our emotional well-being and combats feelings of loneliness.
- Shared Resources and Knowledge
Communities provide access to shared resources, advice, and experiences, making life easier and more fulfilling.
- Enhanced Mental Health
A supportive community can reduce feelings of loneliness and promote mental wellness, contributing to overall emotional health.
- Motivation and Accountability
Being surrounded by a supportive network provides motivation, and the accountability of others can help us stay on track with our goals.
Why is Community Important for Mental Health?
High-quality social connections are essential to our mental and physical health and our well-being. On the other hand, the risks of social isolation and loneliness are comparable to smoking daily, excessive drinking, and obesity.
Did you know that…
25% of older people are socially isolated?
5-15% of adolescents experience loneliness?
Loneliness is the pain we feel when our social connections don’t meet our needs. Social isolation is the state of having a smaller number of social contacts, which may contribute to loneliness.
Loneliness and social isolation have serious health consequences:
- Up to 50% increase in risk of developing dementia.
- Up to 30% increase in risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.
- 25% increase in risk of early death.
What Makes Us Happy?
“Rather than asking how we can get happier, we should be asking how we can increase happiness all around us. When you make positive changes in your own life, those effects ripple out from you and you can find yourself surrounded by the very thing you fostered.”, Nicholas Christakis ’88, an HMS professor of medical sociology and of medicine who has researched the contagion of emotions within the larger context of social networks.
If you feel lonely or socially isolated you can:
- Start a conversation.
Talk to friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. - Connect with others on social media.
Use your time online to connect and interact with others instead of scrolling through posts. Set limited timeframes for reading the news. - Volunteer in your community.
Many organizations, including faith-based organizations, offer volunteer opportunities that can give you the chance to contribute to something that you find important. - Be kind to yourself.
Be gentle with yourself. Take time for yourself. Read, listen to music, exercise, or learn a new skill. Acknowledge your successes and give yourself a break. You are doing the best you can. - Learn more about ways to improve social connectedness.
Check out this CDC webpage for suggestions. - Get help from a professional.
Talk to a healthcare provider about how you are feeling. Make an appointment with a counselor. - Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
Why We Are Happier Around Others
Firstly, when we surround ourselves with people who bring value to our lives, we start to see things differently. Knowing we’re not alone on this journey gives us a sense of security and belonging that is truly priceless. The path can often be an uphill climb, but it’s always easier with support along the way.
Also, being part of a community helps us value ourselves more. It reminds us that our presence matters. Personally, I’ve volunteered in ways that changed my life. It showed me that creating change in the world is possible—and that I can be part of that change.
And to the introverts out there, I understand. I’ve always been shy and find it hard to connect with others, especially with people I don’t know. However, finding a community where I could truly be myself has been incredibly rewarding. I found a place where I could express myself and feel comfortable, a place that felt like home. So, I encourage you to seek out that space and those people. You won’t regret it.
Our Better-Normal Community
At The Better Normal, we believe that community is vital for society’s well-being. That’s why we’re committed to building a network of women ready to support one another. If you’d like to join us, you’re more than welcome!
Our community’s purpose is to encourage and uplift each other. We believe women have so much to say and express, but often aren’t given the space to do so. For this reason, it’s essential to have places where we can freely share our voices—without being silenced ever again. We are already telling the stories of empowered women, check them out here!
Every profession brings value. Whether you’re a psychologist, educator, counselor, entrepreneur, or simply interested in connecting with like-minded women, The Better Normal is for you. On this journey toward well-being, we are not alone, and everything is easier when we’re together.
If you’re interested in joining, please reach out to us at hello@thebetternormal.com.
