Evidence
Every block below is graded and traces back to the studies behind it.
18 blocks
Reset filtersASocial Wellness · concept
Social Isolation and Physical Health
Having few social contacts (isolation) is objectively linked to higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and early death.
Distinguish isolation (structural) from loneliness (subjective)Motivate maintaining a base level of social contact
beta · evidence developing
ASocial Wellness · concept
Understanding Loneliness and Its Effects on Health
Loneliness, the gap between the connection you want and what you have, is linked to worse mental and physical health.
Recognize loneliness as a normal, addressable signalReduce stigma around feeling lonely
beta · evidence developing
ASocial Wellness · concept
Why Social Connection Affects How Long and How Well We Live
Strong social relationships are linked to lower risk of early death, on a scale comparable to other major health factors.
Understand why relationships matter for long-term healthMotivate investment in social connection
beta · evidence developing
BSocial Wellness · concept
Belonging Is the Active Ingredient
What makes group activities work for loneliness is coming to see yourself as part of the group, not the activity itself.
Choose social activities for belonging rather than for noveltyUnderstand why some group activities help and others do not
beta · evidence developing
BSocial Wellness · concept
Quality vs. Quantity of Relationships
A few close, dependable relationships often matter more for well-being than a large number of contacts.
Prioritize deepening key relationships over collecting contactsAudit relationship quality
beta · evidence developing
BSocial Wellness · concept
Social Engagement and Brain Health
Staying socially engaged is associated with slower cognitive decline as we age.
Sustain social activity as part of healthy agingMotivate lifelong social engagement
beta · evidence developing
BSocial Wellness · concept
The Different Kinds of Social Support
Support comes in forms, emotional, informational, and practical, and each plays a different role in well-being.
Identify which kinds of support you have and lackAsk for the right kind of support
beta · evidence developing
BSocial Wellness · practice
Build a Routine to Ease Loneliness
A combination of more contact, group activity, and challenging unhelpful social thoughts can modestly reduce loneliness.
Reduce feelings of lonelinessCombine contact, activity, and mindset
beta · evidence developing
BSocial Wellness · practice
Do Small Acts of Kindness
Doing small helpful things for others is linked to better mood and well-being for the giver as well as the receiver.
Boost mood through givingStrengthen social bonds via generosity
beta · evidence developing
BSocial Wellness · practice
Join a Group, Club, or Class
Belonging to a shared-interest group is one of the more effective ways to build connection and reduce loneliness.
Build new relationships around shared interestsGain a sense of group belonging
beta · evidence developing
BSocial Wellness · practice
Schedule Regular Social Contact
Put recurring time with people on your calendar so connection happens by design, not by chance.
Increase consistent social contactBuild a reliable connection routine
beta · evidence developing
BSocial Wellness · practice
Use Technology to Stay Connected (Wisely)
Video calls and messaging can reduce isolation, especially when they support real interaction rather than passive scrolling.
Reduce isolation using interactive technologyUse social media in a healthier way
beta · evidence developing
CSocial Wellness · concept
Close Ties and Weak Ties Both Count
Beyond close relationships, casual 'weak ties', neighbors, baristas, acquaintances, contribute to a sense of connection.
Value everyday casual interactionsDiversify sources of connection
beta · evidence developing
CSocial Wellness · practice
Explore Social Prescribing and Community Referrals
Being connected to community activities through a structured referral can help, especially if you don't know where to start.
Find a structured route into community connectionGet help identifying local activities
beta · evidence developing
CSocial Wellness · practice
Get Involved in Your Local Community
Participating in neighborhood and community activities builds belonging and broadens your social network.
Build local belongingWiden your social network
beta · evidence developing
CSocial Wellness · practice
Invest in One Close Relationship
Deliberately spending quality time and responding to a loved one's bids for attention strengthens your closest bonds.
Deepen a specific close relationshipImprove responsiveness and quality time
beta · evidence developing
CSocial Wellness · practice
Reconnect With People You've Drifted From
Reaching back out to old friends and acquaintances is a low-cost way to rebuild connection.
Reactivate dormant relationshipsRebuild a wider circle
beta · evidence developing
CSocial Wellness · practice
Volunteer for a Cause You Care About
Volunteering combines meaningful roles with social contact and is associated with better well-being.
Gain purpose and connection through serviceMeet people through shared values
beta · evidence developing