Humans have traveled in packs since the beginning of our existence. What started as an essential measure in order to ensure survival has become an undeniable human need over the last several millennia. The truth remains that we all need a tribe, a solid group of individuals who we can count on to bear witness to our lives, offering unconditional support through our highest highs and lowest lows.

More often than not, history shows us that things don’t end well for those who stray from the pack. One notable example is Ötzi the Iceman, whose 5,300-year-old corpse was discovered in the Tyrolean Alps in 1991. Originally believed to have frozen to death, scientists found evidence of both a head injury and an arrowhead lodged in Ötzi’s shoulder, the latter of which was likely fatal. Would Ötzi have survived had he been surrounded by a friend or two to help repel his attackers? Could the arrow wound have been prevented? Otzi’s death may have been unavoidable in either scenario; at the very least, though, he wouldn’t have died alone.

Neha Kumar, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Director of Clinical Relations at Alter Behavioral Health, asserts that “the intrinsic necessity of human connection is not recognized or encouraged to the extent that it should be in the healthcare field. Studies indicate that having a social support system is tremendously beneficial in improving one’s mental and physical health. Physicians are quick to laud the positive effects of rest, nutrition, exercise and medication – all undoubtedly important in their own ways; however, the importance of human connection is generally not discussed outside of mental health settings.”

A 2017 study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine asserts that “social support and feeling connected can help people maintain a healthy body mass index, control blood sugars, improve cancer survival, decrease cardiovascular mortality, decrease depressive symptoms, mitigate posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and improve overall mental health.” In short, a stable and genuine support system can help catalyze and maintain improvements in both physical and mental health while also increasing the efficacy of other medical and psychological interventions.

Why is it, then, that recent generations have become increasingly isolated when their health and well-being are so dependent on human connection? According to Kumar, “shifting societal trends, the global pandemic and socio-economic disparities are just a few of the various factors that have contributed to the collective detachment we face as a society. The ‘village’ that people refer to as a fundamental component of raising a child is, in actuality, meant to function as a support system for new parents, not necessarily as a replacement for them or as secondary caregivers to the infant.”

How to Strengthen Your Tribe

One of the first ways to augment your support system is to reconnect with old friends or acquaintances you may have lost touch with. These are the people with whom you have a shared history, the individuals who have seen you evolve over time and understand you in unique ways. Reconnecting allows you to reminisce about past experiences, which can be comforting and emotionally fulfilling. Additionally, revisiting prior friendships can provide an opportunity for personal growth. Seeing how your friends have changed or remained the same can give you insights into your own journey and development.

Another way in which you can bolster your village is by making an effort to spend time with people in your immediate environment. The convenience of having a friend nearby, whether it be at the workplace or in the neighborhood, allows for an increased sense of support and camaraderie that can have a positive impact on both mood and perspective, including one’s self-perception as well as one’s view of the world.

Committing to engaging in a social activity a few times a week, or when time allows, can also assist with strengthening your tribe. When people feel that you value spending time with them, they are more likely to be there for you in times of need (and not just when things are going well). An increased sense of connection allows for a more optimistic attitude and mindset which, in turn, leads to better mental health.

Volunteering one’s time to a charitable endeavor is rewarding in multiple ways. Most importantly, acts of service have been proven to benefit not only the person being helped, but the individual who is engaging in these efforts as well. Additionally, giving back to the larger community offers individuals a sense of meaning and purpose that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Doing so also provides an opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded people who share similar values.

Kumar states “it is important to note that the quality of human connection is just as (if not more) important than the number of social activities a person participates in. Genuine connection does not occur when people are on their smartphones the entire time they are in each other’s presence. Being mindful of one’s level of engagement in social settings is a key factor in ensuring the quality of the interactions being experienced. It also allows for better mental stimulation that leads to cognitive and personal development.”

In short, human connection is a vital part of our existence that contributes to our overall well-being and quality of life. It provides us with emotional support, a sense of belonging, reduced stress, mental stimulation, and an improved self-esteem and world view. All of these factors are associated with better physical health and increased longevity, indicating that close relationships and a supportive social network can positively impact our lifespan.

“By enhancing our mental, emotional, and physical well-being,” says Kumar, “human connection is an essential aspect of a healthy and fulfilling life. In a world where individuals are only as strong as their respective villages, it may be time to start building yours.”

Published by: Holy Minoza