26-Dec-2010

Ties that Heal

Socializing for Good

A hundred years ago, the majority of our interactions were social. Trends are changing and social isolation is beginning to affect our health and longevity. Did you know that reclusiveness and loneliness (even when you are socializing on your computer) can be as devastating to your health as smoking or obesity? Nowadays, you can even see families sitting together in a restaurant texting each other!

Okay, so you’re a busy person and you rely on your social networking and email to stay on top of the latest news and trends. In between checking your phone messages and texting your friends and planning your week, how about taking a minute to look around at the people in your life? Say “hello” to an elderly neighbor, smile at a stranger in the movie line. Remember to connect with your family and friends for some real, live face time. Challenge yourself to network in the real world. Being with others will do you a world of good physically, mentally and spiritually…and that’s priceless!

Recommended Read: The Zen of Listening: Mindful Communication in the Age of Distraction by Rebecca Shafir