I have a question. How often have you gone out for fun in the past month?
I know you may be thinking “For fun? What’s fun about going out?” And if so, you’re not aone.
As a matter of fact, according to some new research Americans (and maybe some folks in other countries too) are socializing less.
That’s understandable, and somewhat predictable. The pandemic reset a lot of our social calendars to zero, and inflation is not making disposable income easier to find. Further, socialization has been on the decline in North America for decades, actually. Also, we have more language and grace around being introverted than we used to and we’re all doing our own ROI analysis of most social invitations. Like this: “What about this inviation could possibly be more useful or helpful than working/being at home/resting??”
However, according to a study done this January by the research firm CivicScience, socializing with friends in person is dropping by pretty staggering rates. And that social isolation is correlating with increased social anxiety. Which leads to more isolation. And so forth.
So, like exercise (you know, it’s usually not fun but it IS good for your darn mental health), it can make us mentally healthier to schedule in some socializing in person. If you’re a leader in your work or community, consider the mental health benefits of giving folks time and encouragement to socialize in person with people they like. And keep in mind that might not be all their coworkers…
Got any plans to go out and see three dimensional humans this month? Willing to make some? Comment and tell me!
All my best,
Dr. G
