One conversation a day can increase happiness.
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Wellness is a challenge. People struggle with stress, suffer from unhappiness, and wish for better health.
But a new study shows an amazingly simple way to boost your well-being and happiness: Have a face-to-face conversation with a friend or colleague once a day.
wellness on the rocks
Many people report that they do not have friends and lack quality relationships. Of the people who say that I don’t have a friend at work to people who report that they are alone and struggling with mental healthwellness is on the rocks.
And make friends and hold relationships definitely require investment. Research by Jeffrey Hall finds that it takes 40-60 hours of time together to build a casual friendship and around 200 hours for a close friendship.
But apparently you can contribute to your sense of connection, belonging, and happiness with even less. Just one conversation a day with a friend or teammate can make all the difference, according to a new study by the University of Kansas.
just catch up
People often think that great relationships are built on deep trust, meaningful interactions, and deep discussions. And these definitely count. But interestingly, the research found that even the quickest and most superficial contact was positive.
When you get up to speed quickly, you stay in touch with what’s going on with people and have a basis to check back next time. You find out that your teammate just made an offer on a house, and you ask him about it the next time you see him. Or you find out that your child has just been accepted to college and you can check the transition process when you meet them again. Or they share that they have applied for a new job and you can offer your support.
Relationships are built on continuity and familiarity, so the more you know, the more you can build. And every piece of information you learn about them or they learn about you is a deposit in a bank of mutual understanding.
So quickly catch up in the elevator or send a short email to sign up. Or make a phone call to a friend during your travel time to let someone know you’re thinking of them.
focus on others
Happiness is correlated with focusing on others., more than yourself. In this study, listening, showing interest, and valuing others also contributed to well-being. Ask questions about how someone is doing, be present and focused, and show that you respect and support them.
Complimenting others was also helpful, so focus on what you sincerely appreciate in someone and express it.
kidding
Research in social sciences published in the Personality Research Journal it also shows that teasing, when it occurs in the context of a positive relationship, can also build friendships. This study also showed that joking around contributed to a sense of connection and well-being.
When you joke with someone about a situation, you’re reinforcing common ground, something you can both laugh at or roll your eyes at. And if you joke constructively, you are showing that you know and understand a person.
Of course, teasing should never be negative or disrespectful, but when you relax and laugh together, it can help you bond and contribute to both of your well-being.
Make easy
Sometimes, find well-being and improve well-being they may seem like monumental tasks. But it can be easier than you think: with quick contact, regular conversations, and even checking in on a close friend every day.
Feeling connected and having a sense of belonging are significant determinants of all kinds of health, so it’s definitely worth the effort.
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