Research has shown that social isolation can have devastating effects on our physical and mental health. A study published in mice found that lonely mice experienced more brain damage after strokes and were less likely to recover than their socialised counterparts.
Neuroscientist Ben Rein argues that this is not unique to mice, but also applies to humans. When we are isolated, it triggers a stress response in our bodies, which can lead to the release of cortisol, a hormone that suppresses inflammation. However, if this stress response is prolonged, it can have serious consequences for our health.
Rein suggests that socialising has numerous benefits for our health and wellbeing. For example, when we connect with others, our brains release oxytocin, also known as "the cuddly hormone", which promotes feelings of relaxation and reduces stress. Oxytocin also helps to regulate inflammation, which is a major contributor to many chronic diseases.
Moreover, socialising can be a powerful tool for building resilience and improving mental health. Research has shown that people who are isolated or lonely are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, while those who have strong social connections tend to have better mental health outcomes.
However, Rein also acknowledges that everyone is different when it comes to their social needs. Some people may be extroverts who thrive on social interaction, while others may be introverts who prefer quieter environments. Nevertheless, he argues that socialising is essential for our overall wellbeing and can even provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Rein's book, "Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection", offers practical advice on how to get the most out of social interactions. He suggests that we upgrade our interactions by choosing those that offer more social reward, such as video calls or meeting up with friends instead of texting or calling alone.
Ultimately, Rein's message is one of hope and empowerment. By understanding the science behind social connection, we can take steps to build stronger relationships with others and improve our own mental and physical health. As he puts it, "connection is good for us like vitamin D or getting enough sleep; socialising is presented as the kind of longevity hack loved by podcast bros."
Neuroscientist Ben Rein argues that this is not unique to mice, but also applies to humans. When we are isolated, it triggers a stress response in our bodies, which can lead to the release of cortisol, a hormone that suppresses inflammation. However, if this stress response is prolonged, it can have serious consequences for our health.
Rein suggests that socialising has numerous benefits for our health and wellbeing. For example, when we connect with others, our brains release oxytocin, also known as "the cuddly hormone", which promotes feelings of relaxation and reduces stress. Oxytocin also helps to regulate inflammation, which is a major contributor to many chronic diseases.
Moreover, socialising can be a powerful tool for building resilience and improving mental health. Research has shown that people who are isolated or lonely are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, while those who have strong social connections tend to have better mental health outcomes.
However, Rein also acknowledges that everyone is different when it comes to their social needs. Some people may be extroverts who thrive on social interaction, while others may be introverts who prefer quieter environments. Nevertheless, he argues that socialising is essential for our overall wellbeing and can even provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Rein's book, "Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection", offers practical advice on how to get the most out of social interactions. He suggests that we upgrade our interactions by choosing those that offer more social reward, such as video calls or meeting up with friends instead of texting or calling alone.
Ultimately, Rein's message is one of hope and empowerment. By understanding the science behind social connection, we can take steps to build stronger relationships with others and improve our own mental and physical health. As he puts it, "connection is good for us like vitamin D or getting enough sleep; socialising is presented as the kind of longevity hack loved by podcast bros."
! I mean, who doesn't love hangouts with friends or just chillin' in the library with mates? 
It's all about balance tho, some people do need that alone time to focus. But for me, socialising is where it's at! 
When we connect with others, we feel more energized and motivated. I was feeling so down last semester when I didn't have any friends in my new school 
but then I joined a club and now I'm all about making connections with people who share similar interests 
It's like, our brains are wired to respond positively to social interactions! 
but anyway back to the study it says that oxytocin is like this hormone that makes us relax and stuff and we get it when we're socializing which is why i'm obsessed w/ video calls now lol i mean what's not to love about catching up w/ friends online 
. I mean, who knew that being lonely could lead to more brain damage after a stroke? It's not exactly surprising, though - isn't social isolation kind of like a ticking time bomb for our mental health?
. It makes total sense that it would have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing. I've noticed myself feeling more relaxed after having deep conversations with friends or family members - it's like we're just vibing off each other's energy.
. It's not rocket science, but sometimes we need to be reminded of the importance of being present and engaging with others.
. Newsflash: we're all human beings, not robots that can survive on solo Netflix binges 
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. It's all about finding that balance and making time for people who care about you 
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. Who else is with me on this? 
. This study reminds me of that one movie where the guy lived in a cardboard box for months because he couldn't cope with social isolation... what was it called? 
Anyway, it just makes me want to hug my friends and family more often! 
. We need to acknowledge that our mental and physical health is linked to how social we are, and it's time to make social interaction a priority 
We're already getting enough vitamin D from our screens, but socialising is like the ultimate health hack 
. We should be investing in social skills, not just online friendships 
? But what about introverts, though? 
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. Like, have you ever had one of those days where you've talked to a friend or family member and suddenly feel like everything's better? That's oxytocin doing its thing! 
. I mean, who knew that being alone could be so bad for you? 
. And then there's oxytocin - it's like the ultimate chill pill 
. But what I find kinda interesting is that everyone's different when it comes to their social needs, you know? Some people are super extroverts and need to be around others all the time, while others are more introverted and just wanna chill alone sometimes 
. So yeah, Rein makes some good points about how important socialising is for our health and wellbeing... it's all about finding that balance 
, which is amazing! But I'm also concerned about how much socialising she'll be doing when she's older... are we raising a generation of introverts who don't know how to connect with others face-to-face? 
. It's so immersive, but sometimes it feels like I'm missing out on real-life interactions with friends and family. Like, have you ever played a multiplayer game where you're stuck in this virtual world all day and then you finally log off and realize how much time has passed? It's weird 
, like just make video calls or meet up with friends instead of solo texting... i'm definitely gonna try that out 
It's like our brains are wired to release relaxation and reduce stress when we hang out with others. And let's be real, isolation is just not cool, you know? 
Being alone all the time can lead to some serious negative effects on our health, both mentally and physically. I'm talking depression, anxiety, and even more chronic diseases. Not exactly what we want to deal with, right? 
So yeah, Ben Rein's message is spot on - socialising is key! 
They say just stay home and chill but that's not gonna cut it when you're stuck in a never-ending loop of thoughts and feelings 
The human brain needs interaction to function properly 
Introverts need their alone time too 
So yeah, socialising is key 
and I'm like... how did we not know this?! 
and then you're dealing with all the negative effects on your physical health. But at the same time, when I'm socializing with friends or family, I feel like my anxiety actually goes down 
. Video calls instead of texting alone, meet up with friends... easy peasy, lemon squeezy 
I mean, we already knew that being lonely was bad for us, but to see it in action like this is mind-blowing! 
His tips on upgrading interactions are genius too! 
. I've noticed that when I'm feeling down or stressed, a quick call or video chat with a friend can totally turn my day around