1-Minute Wednesday No. 177: The Antidote to Loneliness

Design A Life That Really Matters

How are you doing??

I mean, how are you doing really?

That follow-up question catches people off guard. We are so used to offering our rote responses to this casual question. But I’ve found, almost every time, it nudges people from the surface into a deeper, more fulfilling interaction. And we could all use a bit more of that. ?

Recently, I read a report on loneliness. It’s no surprise—loneliness is increasing in the world. And its effects are far-reaching—from mental and physical health to economic and societal concerns. (1)?

The irony of this loneliness epidemic, of course, is that we live in a time where it has never been easier to connect or reconnect with family members and old friends. Still, many of us feel more isolated than ever because, as it turns out, the solution to feeling more connected is not more social interactions; it's more meaningful interactions.?

It appears that "Less, but better" applies to relationships too, where we might say, "Fewer, but deeper."

Perhaps, as you’ve been reading this, someone has come to mind—someone important in your life. My challenge to you is to reach out to them—today—right now if you can. It will make your life better and their life better—and don’t forget to ask them how they are doing, really.? ?

Listen

The Unsung Power of Prevention

We don’t always remember the people who prevent problems. But perhaps we should because preventing problems when they are small saves us from a host of bigger problems down the line.? Join me for part two of my interview with Dr. Rajiv Shah as we explore the important role optimism, hope, and prevention play in solving our biggest problems.? Listen here ?

Learn

The Importance of Deep Relationships

"In one of the most thorough and prolonged behavioral studies ever conducted, Harvard University researchers surveyed and scrutinized a group of 724 men from 1939 to 2014, arriving at a simple yet instructive conclusion. Harvard professor Robert Waldinger, director of the center conducting the study, described it this way: "Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period." -?Tal Ben-Shahar, Psychology Today

Discover how you can foster deep relationships, despite the challenges of the modern world. Read the full article here? ?

Weekly Wisdom

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.”? ?– Meister Eckhart

Take the next step in your essential journey with the Essentialism Academy. Join a community committed to less, but better and get instant access to masterclass courses that will help you live a life you design.? ?

Access The Essentialism Academy

Join over 175,000 others and get content just like this delivered to your inbox for FREE each week. Learn simple strategies and concepts that will help you?build a life around what matters most.?Subscribe here.?

(1). Danvers, A.F., Efinger, L.D., Mehl, M.R., Helm, P.J., Raison, C.L., Polsinelli, A.J., Moseley, S.A. and Sbarra, D.A. (2023). Loneliness and time alone in everyday life: A descriptive-exploratory study of subjective and objective social isolation.?Journal of Research in Personality, [online] 107, p.104426. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2023.104426.