Lesson 2 - Social Connection

Humans are social creatures with emotional needs for relationships and positive connections to others. We’re not meant to survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. Our social brains crave companionship - even when experience has made us shy and distrustful of others.

Making good social connections helps:

Relieve stress

Provide comfort and joy

 Prevent loneliness and isolation

 Improve your support network

Our society tends to place an emphasis on romantic relationships,
but friends bring more happiness into our lives than virtually anything else.

Healthy friendships can:

Improve your mood

Help you to reach your goals

Reduce stress and depression

Support you through challenging times

Support you as you age

Boost your self-worth

Tips & Techniques

	Here are some tips to build good social connections: Look for someone that: Shows a genuine interest in you Accepts who you are Listens attentively without judgement Shares things about themselves with you
	Be a better friend yourself: Be the friend that you would like to have Be a good listener Give your friend space Don’t set too many rules and expectations Be forgiving
	Meet new people or track down old friends: Volunteering Take a class or join a club Walk a dog Cheer on your team Carpool